Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin confirmed yesterday that Malaysia’s movement control order (MCO) will be extended for a month until June 9, the fourth extension since it was enforced on March 18.
On Sunday (May 10)’s special announcement, the prime minister said even though the country saw many positive developments in its fight against COVID-19, the efforts have not fully succeeded.
He also mentioned “Based on public opinion, I realized that people want the government to continue to take the necessary steps to fight against the epidemic.”
“Therefore, on the advice of the Ministry of Health and the National Security Council, I would like to announce that the conditional MCO, which was enforced until May 12, will be extended until Jun 9, which is another four more weeks,” he said.
Since March 18, the MCO to rein in the spread of COVID-19, has previously been extended three times, each for two weeks.
Under the partial lockdown, non-essential businesses and schools were closed while domestic and international travel was prohibited.
There are obvious signs that the restrictions have successfully brought down the number of new infections in Malaysia.
From the initial three-digit hike, new cases recently has slowed to mostly two-digit beginning mid-April.
As of Saturday (9 May), the country reported a total of 6,589 cases and 108 deaths and 75% of the patients have recovered. Across the country, there are 94.4% of the areas are now categorized as green zones which are areas with no new infections for two weeks, Mr. Muhyiddin said.
By allowing the majority of economic sectors to resume their operations under a “conditional MCO”, the government has eased some COVID-19 curbs at the beginning of May 4 in a move welcomed by industry players.
Mr. Muhyiddin also mentioned on Sunday (May 10), it is estimated that 6.64 million people, or close to half of the country’s workforce, have returned to work since the conditional MCO.
He added that until June 9, all rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) enforced during the conditional MCO would remain in effect. Any changes to the SOPs or list of sectors allowed to operate will be announced from time to time.
What are your thoughts? Share with me in the comment section below!
