Cover image from theborneopost.com
With exponential rising number of cases of Covid-19, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Monday night that the Movement Control Order would be effective for the whole of Malaysia for 2 weeks from 18th to 31st March 2020.
During this time, all government and business premises must close and cease operations except those involved in essential services (water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas, fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, health, pharmacy, fire, prison, port, airport, safety, defence, cleaning, retail and food supply .
There is also general prohibition of mass movements and gatherings across the country including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.
All educational institutions including kindergartens, government and private schools, as well as public and private higher learning institutes are to close as well.
Malaysians are barred from traveling overseas. Returning Malaysians are required to undergo health checks and a 14-day quarantine.
Foreigners and tourists are barred from entering Malaysia during this time as well.
Individuals are prohibited from leaving their homes except for the following reasons:
- To perform any official duty
- To buy, supply or deliver food or daily necessities
- To seek healthcare or medical services
- To make a journey to and from limited categories of premises, including any premises which provide essential services, premises involved in the food supply chain, premises selling food and beverages through drive-through, takeaway and delivery.
- Or any other special purposes that may be permitted by the director-general.
PLEASE STAY HOME
In another announcement on Wednesday night, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has appealed to Malaysians to stay home for the sake of themselves and their families.
In spite of the implementation of the Movement Control Order which has banned dining in, many people were seen hanging around coffee shops and having long chats over breakfast in various spots all over the country.
The purpose of the Movement Control Order was to stop people moving around, so that interactions were limited with the aim of preventing further increase in the numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Experts are warning Malaysians that if they continue to flout the rules, there could be another wave of Covid-19 cases which could cause the country to go into lockdown.
During a lockdown, people would be prohibited from leaving their homes except for emergencies.
Several countries are already in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, including Italy, Denmark, France, Iran, Israel and Spain.
