KUALA LUMPUR, 23 April 2020:
The Movement Control Order (MCO), which is due to end on April 28, has been extended by another two weeks until May 12, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In announcing this tonight, the prime minister, however, said if Covid-19 cases continued to show a sharp decrease, the government might ease the restrictions in stages.
“Based on the latest statistics, the number of recovered patients has risen to 3,542, which means 63.2% of the cumulative number of patients have recovered.
“If this downward trend in (active) cases continues, the government may give some relaxation,” he said in his address aired live on national television.
This is the third time the MCO, which was implemented on March 18, has been extended in the government’s efforts to break the Covid-19 chain of infection in Malaysia. But given continued concerns over another outbreak could be easily sparked, with potential vaccines still months away from being approved for general populations, government restrictions to ensure social distancing are set to continue.
Following the sharp drop in Covid-19 cases, Muhyiddin said the government planned to relax the regulations a bit – including allowing university students staying on campus to return to their homes, and for this a standard operating procedure (SOP) would be announced soon.
“The number of students involved is big, that is almost 100,000. So we need to plan their movement carefully to ensure it is organised and does not create risks of infection.”
He said the authorities would ensure all the students are healthy and did not have any Covid-19 symptoms before allowing them to travel.
The prime minister said the government was considering to allow a single-trip journey for those who were stuck in their hometowns or other places before phase one of the MCO was enforced.
Muhyiddin said the government was gathering data and looking into the best way to facilitate their journey, including requiring them to register online using a Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) application or making an appointment with the nearest police station.
“It is important for the police to arrange your journey to avoid creating congestion on the road or rest areas of highways. You also need to ensure that you are healthy and do not have any symptoms before starting your journey.”
He said the details of this plan would be announced by the government soon. “This comprises a little bit of relaxation which can be granted at this stage. I repeat, just a bit of relaxation. Not too much. These two measures will be implemented in an orderly manner and will not affect our efforts to fight Covid-19.”
He stressed that efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 should be continued based on data presented to him by the Ministry of Health (MoH).
“Although the numbers show a positive development, the steps we have taken should be continued until such time when we are confident that the Covid-19 outbreak can be fully contained.”
Muhyiddin said the government would study the latest data presented by MoH to decide the next course of action. “I do not rule out the possibility of the MCO being extended again after this. This means you all may not be able to celebrate Hari Raya in the kampung.”
Concerns remain whether mass gatherings likely during Hari Raya Puasa celebrations from May 23 is advisable as yet, which could result in authorities further extending the MCO period another two weeks to May 26.
“You still may not be able to work, except for those working in sectors which are allowed (to operate). Businesses too still cannot operate fully.”
However, if Covid-19 cases continued to register a marked decrease, the government might ease the movement control in stages in several sectors, including the social sector, he said.
He said this would enable them to lead a more comfortable life, adding that the National Security Council was drawing up a comprehensive plan on this matter.
The prime minister also said the government would consider reopening several other sectors and sub-sectors subject to strict conditions to guarantee companies continue to be competitive while workers can continue working in a safe environment.
He said detailed guidelines and conditions will be provided to investors and the corporate sector to restart their respective operations.
“Even though the MCO may be further extended (after this), companies in specific sectors will be allowed to operate subject to compliance conditions that prioritise workers safety, social distancing and hygiene at the workplaces.”
For the first time in history, Muslims will observe Ramadan in a “new normal” era in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that affects the world and Malaysia is no exception.
Stressing that all ibadah (religious activities) and other Ramadan traditions are to be conducted at home, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Senator Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri explained that the new normal refers to no congregational prayers including Friday and tarawih prayers at mosques and suraus in compliance with the MCO enforced by the government.
“There will be no breaking of fast programmes at mosques and suraus during the MCO period as well as ‘moreh’ (supper) after tarawih prayers. The alternative is for us to carry out all these Ramadan activities at home.
Reminding Muslims that Ramadan is a month of test, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said it is important for them to be mindful of their manners and to be patient in their daily routine.
He also said even though there would be no Ramadan bazaar this time, Malaysians could come up with new recipes to be enjoyed with family members as well as utilise food delivery service.
“Encik Ali can order Nasi Arab, give it to Ah Chong. Auntie Tan can order KFC, give it to Puan Wani. Encik Nordin can order Nasi Kerabu, give it to Uncle Muthu.
“Ramadan is a month of charity and of sharing happiness with those around us. My only advice is don’t waste.”
Meanwhile, Indonesian authorities today imposed a ban on all domestic and international commercial and private flights effective tomorrow (Friday) to June 1 as a measure to check the spread of Covid-19.
Transport Ministry director-general of aviation Novie Riyanto said the decision is in keeping with a decree of Indonesian president Joko Widodo prohibiting all balik kampung (return-to-village) travel to celebrate Aidilfitri.
Like Malaysians, Indonesians will tomorrow begin the month-long Ramadan fast that culminates in the Aidilfitri celebration.
The usual Aidilfitri balik kampung travel sees the exodus of millions of people from Jakarta and nearby cities to the provinces throughout the country via air, land and sea transportation.
Novie said the travel prohibition is exempted for the country’s top leaders, foreign dignitaries and flights bringing back Indonesians and ferrying foreign nationals back to their countries.
Foreign minister Retno Marsudi had announced earlier that Indonesia has imposed a ban on its people travelling abroad and foreigners entering the country for an indefinite period from March 20 to contain the spread of Covid-19.
– Bernama