Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that the government has decided to adopt restriction of movements throughout Malaysia in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. This will take place from 18 to 31 March 2020.
The Restrictive Movement Order covers several important aspects including restrictions on public gatherings, oversea travels for Malaysians, and tourists entry into the country. In addition to that, there is also the closure of schools and tertiary educational institutions as well as all non-critical public and private premises throughout the 2-week period.
Here is the announcement, in full:
Do note that this Restrictive Movement Order DOES NOT EQUAL to a total lockdown of the country. This means one can still move around to purchase their supplies if needed although do stay at your home as much as you can.
As noted above, the EXCEPTIONS to this national-scale restriction of movement is supermarkets, mini markets, public markets, and convenience stores so that the Rakyat are able to obtain their daily supplies. PM Muhyiddin has GUARANTEED that all food supplies, daily needs, and medical supplies including face masks are sufficient.
The restriction also does not apply to critical services such as water, electric, communications, postal, transportation, irrigation, oil and gas, broadcasting, health services, pharmacy, Fire and Rescue Department, public safety, defence, prison, port, airport, sanitary, retail, and food supplies.
Up till 12 PM today, there are already 553 COVID-19 cases in Malaysia which is the highest in Southeast Asia at the moment. While there is still no death have been recorded in our country from the pandemic, 12 patients are now going through treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The government has set up the National Operations Management Center which will begin to accept enquires from the Rakyat regarding the nationwide restriction of movement starting from 17 March onwards at 12 PM through the hotline number +603-88882010.
Meanwhile, do remain calm and civil as well as stay safe wherever you are while we go through this unprecedented moment in Malaysia’s history.
