IPOH: All National Day convoys must first obtain approval from the National Security Council (NSC), says state NSC director Khairul Ridzuan Mat Said.

       While people can still celebrate National Day, they must adhere to the Covid-19 standard operating procedure.

       “We understand that many people want to organise convoys in conjunction with National Day. However, since we are still in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, all convoys must have permission from the NSC and the police,” he said.

       Khairul Ridzuan was speaking after attending the Merdeka Month celebration with members of the media at the Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah complex here yesterday.

       He said all applications would be checked and approved accordingly.

       “We don’t have the exact figures, but we have received several applications.

       “Right now, the Covid-19 cases in Perak are staggering between 800 and 1,000 new cases a day, so we have to be mindful.

       “We wouldn’t be able to approve all applications and our main focus goes to the government agencies as well as those who have completed their vaccinations,” he added.

       While the public is not being restricted from celebrating National Day today, they must strictly adhere to the SOP.