Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was due to an increase in Covid-19 cases reported within the locality.

He added the health ministry had conducted 793 tests and found 132 positive cases among the detainees, prison staff and family members.

This is the second time that the Jelebu prison has been placed under EMCO. The first time was for four weeks from Dec 28, 2020 to Jan 24, 2021.

Besides the Jelubu prison and staff quarters, Ismail said Taman Public in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and Kampung Pangkal Jetas in Machang, Kelantan will also be put under a 14-day EMCO from Friday.

The EMCO for these three areas is scheduled to end on July 15.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the government was extending the EMCO in Kampung Landung Ayang, Kudat in Sabah until July 15.

However, the EMCO for Kampung Bukit Gemuk, Kampung Tanjung Batu Keramat (both in Tawau, Sabah) as well as Perumahan Etara, Jalan Agaseh, Lahad Datu; Taman Lavender, Kudat and Kampung Serikin, in Kuching will be lifted tomorrow.

Ismail said the health ministry confirmed that Covid-19 cases in these areas had decreased and the residents who tested positive are already receiving treatment.

He also said the authorities had arrested 600 people on Tuesday for MCO offences. Of this number, 592 were slapped with compounds while eight were remanded.

Among the offences were travelling interstate without permission, failure to wear face masks, as well as failure to register before entering premises.

Ismail added the authorities also arrested 25 foreigners and seized six vehicles in the ongoing Op Benteng.