PUTRAJAYA, 7 June 2020:
Malaysians today heaved a sigh of relief as the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) – now enforced to contain the Covid-19 spread – will end by Tuesday, with the country set to reopen the following day, June 10.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced this easing of restrictions with the Recovery MCO till Aug 31, including allowing inter-state travel, except for areas declared under Enhanced MCO.
“Those who wish to visit their parents who are in other states, may soon do so. But please be advised to observe good personal hygiene, wear face masks at all times when in public places and stay away from crowded places when you are back in your hometowns.
“Remember, if your parents are senior citizens, they are the most vulnerable to infection. Though it is good to be able to visit them, it is our responsibility to protect them from infection.”
Domestic tourism is encouraged but cross-border travel remains suspended. However, theme parks aren’t allowed to reopen yet while entertainment centres like pubs and karaoke outlets remain closed. Reflexology centres too aren’t allowed to reopen.
For sports and recreational activities, Muhyiddin said these would be allowed as long as there are no physical contacts, as in bowling, badminton, archery, shooting, as well as outdoor group activities such as cycling and motorcycle convoys.
“However sports tournaments and games where supporters and spectators will be gathered at the stadium and swimming pools, as well as contact sports such as rugby, wrestling, boxing, football, basketball and hockey are still prohibited.”
Muhyiddin said among activities allowed under the RMCO are sales and promotional activities outside business premises, museum visits, indoor busking, recreational fishing activities including those conducted at commercial fishing ponds.
He said once the RMCO is enforced, self-service laundromat, filming activities, meetings and workshops would be allowed to resume, on condition the protocols on health and distancing guidelines are adhered to strictly.
Hari Raya Haji celebration is allowed, subject to Covid-19 prevention protocols, while other religious celebrations will have details announced soon.
The prime minister said even though many relaxations were announced, several activities are still restricted – among them religious processions involving many people, feasts, and open houses.
“Relaxation for larger congregational prayers based on the size of the mosque or house of worship is being studied by the government and would be announced soon.”
Schools will start to reopen before end-August, subject to guidelines and decision to be announced by the Health Ministry.
The MCO was first imposed on March 18 with only the essential services allowed to operate, before the government gradually relaxed some of the regulations as of May 4 with the CMCO – allowing more economic sectors to be in operation.
Muhyiddin expressed the hope that the people would continue to be disciplined and steadfast in abiding by the regulations set to ensure the situation would remain under control, so that Malaysia can enter the normalisation phase after Aug 31 until a vaccine is found for Covid-19.
“However, I would like to remind the people that if there is a spike in positive Covid-19 cases during this period, the government will not hesitate to implement the EMCO in the affected area or locality.”
… more to come