KOTA KINABALU: Nine Sabah districts including two major east coast towns will remain "isolated" as the state lifted restrictions on inter-district travel within five identified zones from Oct 1.

       People in the major towns of Sandakan and Tawau as well those in the districts of Kinabatangan, Telupid, Tongod, Kalabakan, Papar, Semporna and Nabawan will not be allowed to leave their districts until 60% of their adult population is vaccinated.

       State Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said that effective Friday (Oct 1), Sabah will allow inter-district travel for the remaining 18 districts with over 60% of its adult citizens vaccinated within five identified zones.

       He disclosed that the inter-district travel were allowed within Zone 1 - Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Tuaran, Ranau and Kota Belud districts; Zone 2 - Beaufort, Sipitang and Kuala Penyu districts; Zone 3 - Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas and Beluran.

       "Zone 4 - Lahad Datu and Kunak; and Zone 5 - Keningau, Tambunan and Tenom," he added.

       The people in the nine districts who have yet to achieve the 60% vaccination of its adult population will not be allowed to move out of their respective districts.

       "These districts have to remain as ‘standalone’ districts outside the zones until they achieve the 60% fully vaccinated condition," he added.

       He said overall, 1,773,611 or 64.3% of the adult population have been fully vaccinated while 2,292,885 or 73.9% have received their first dose.

       Meanwhile, Masidi said all economic and sports activities will be allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm as part of further relaxation on standard operating procedures (SOP) in the state with effect Oct 1.