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KINIGUIDE | The government today announced the reimposition of the conditional movement control order (MCO) in four states and territories, namely Sabah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, as a third wave of Covid-19 outbreaks continues.
The restrictions will go into effect for Sabah at midnight (October 13), while Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will see the conditional MCO go into effect at midnight on October 14. They will last two weeks (until October 26 for Sabah and October 27 for the break).
This guide, compiled based on the statement of Defense Minister Ismail Sabri and also the questions asked directly to his ministry, will help explain what you can and cannot do under the conditional MCO.
Please note that the government is still fine-tuning the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the conditional MCO and this guide will be updated once more information is available.
What is a conditional MCO?
These measures are similar to those imposed on the country from May 4 to June 9.
For context, the country first entered a partial shutdown, simply called “MCO”, on March 18, where most businesses were closed and only one person in each household can leave the house to eat and do the shopping purchase.
As the Covid-19 situation improved, the country moved to a conditional MCO, economic activities resumed under strict conditions, but leisure activities were still prohibited.
Most of the restrictions were lifted when the country began to move to the recovery OLS on June 10 and this phase was supposed to last until the end of the year.
Why do we now go back to a conditional OLS?
Simply put, we are now in a significantly worse state than during the second wave of Covid-19 that was triggered by a religious gathering in March.
This third wave began in September when undocumented immigrants spread the virus in Tawau prison and then escaped into the community.
The spread of the virus accelerated with the Sabah elections that concluded on September 26. Activists and tourists who visited Sabah brought the virus to their respective states.
In the context of gravity, the peak during the second wave was 277 new cases on June 4, and most of them were foreigners confined to detention centers.
In this third wave, the highest case count was recorded on October 6 with 691 new cases, most of which are Malaysian and many are in the community. Every day, new cases are also very close to record levels.
During the second wave, the majority of the Covid-19 patients that the country had to attend to at one point was on April 9 with 2,552 people in treatment.
In this third wave, the country is setting new daily records with 5,039 Covid-19 patients in treatment today (October 12). If these numbers continue to rise, our hospitals will be overwhelmed and the death rate will increase dramatically.
The army is already installing a field hospital in Sabah, something that is normally seen during the war.
Can I get out of my house?
Two people are allowed to travel in each household.
This is for work, emergencies, and essentials only, like buying essentials like food and groceries.
How far can I travel?
Travel between districts is not allowed. The police will set up barricades to control the movement.
In Selangor, for example, there are nine districts: Gombak, Hulu Langat, Hulu Selangor, Klang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, Petaling, Sabah Bernam, and Sepang. You must stay in your district.
Need go to work?
Most businesses will continue to operate as usual. Only some sectors will be closed, such as educational institutions and entertainment centers.
How do I get to work if my office is in another district?
An exception is made for individuals who need to travel between districts to work.
This is on the condition that they can show their work pass or a permit letter from their employer at roadblocks.
Can I send my children to school or daycare?
No. All schools, colleges, universities, training institutes and nurseries will be closed.
I study in a private school and I take the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exam, what do I do?
The closure order applies to both public and private schools. Check with your school how to organize your exam.
Can I eat in restaurants?
No, dining at home is no longer allowed. Restaurants may still open, but only for takeout and delivery.
Is there a time restriction to travel and to operate?
Yes. Details will be announced soon. This will be updated when the information is available.
Can I exercise in a park?
No. All public parks and recreation centers will be closed.
Nor is it allowed to go out for recreational activities such as exercising or riding a bicycle.
What if I insist even if someone tries to stop me?
Violating the 2020 Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Regulations can result in a fine of RM 1,000, up to six months in prison, or both.
Worse still, if you obstruct a public official who is enforcing the conditional MCO, you can face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to RM10,000 or both under Section 186 of the Penal Code.
Public officials are not just limited to the police and include public officials from various agencies, including local council officials.
Can I sing karaoke in a store?
No, the opening of entertainment establishments is not allowed.
I have a wedding to attend, can I?
No, wedding ceremonies are not allowed.
Can I pray in a place of worship?
All places of worship, Muslim and non-Muslim, will be closed.
This KiniGuide installment is compiled by NIGEL AW
