Covid-19: Malaysia under nationwide movement restriction order for 14 days
In national address, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has declared that Malaysia will be placed under nationwide movement restriction order from March 18 to March 31, 2020, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Muhyiddin said the control order was made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967. He said the Movement Control Order includes; first, the general prohibition of mass movements and gatherings throughout the country including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.
Only essential services will be open – including supermarkets. All other business to be shut.
Following that, the Government decided to implement the Control Order Movements, from March 18, 2020, the day after March 31, 2020, throughout country. This control order is made under the Prevention Act and Infectious Disease Control Act 1988 and Police Act 1967.
“To enforce this prohibition, all houses of worship and business premises must be closed, except for supermarkets, public markets, convenience stores and convenience stores selling everyday necessities.
“For Muslims, the postponement of all religious activities in mosques and surau including Friday prayers” he said in a special Message of Covid-19 in Putrajaya today.
As for the second Movement Control Order, he said, there was a total restriction on all Malaysians traveling abroad. “For those who have just returned from overseas, they are required to undergo a health check and do a quarantine (or self quarantine) for 14 days.
“Thirdly, the restriction of entry of all tourists and foreign visitors into the country. Fourth, the closure of all kindergartens, government and private schools including daily schools, boarding schools, international schools, tahfiz centers and other primary, secondary and pre-university institutions.
“Fifth, the closure of all public and private institutions of higher learning (IPT) and skills training institutes nationwide.
“Sixth, the closure of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services (water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas, fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking , health, pharmacy, fire, prisons, ports, airports, security, defense, cleaning, retail and food supplies, “he said.
Muhyiddin said he is aware that people might face difficulties. However difficult, this action must be taken by the government to curb the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak which is likely to endanger people in this country,” he said.
The order, the first in the country’s history, was announced by the prime minister in a live broadcast over national television tonight.
A total of 125 new positive cases of Covid-19 have been reported as of noon today, bringing the total in Malaysia to 553 cases.
By: Hema Subramaniam
