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KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Tuesday (October 6) that the government has not considered re-enforcing a national lockdown.
In a televised national address, Mr. Muhyiddin explained that this was because doing so could lead to the collapse of the nation’s social and economic systems.
“For now we are not thinking about a total closure because if it is carried out once again, it could leave a great impact that we fear that the social and economic system of the country will collapse,” he said.
The lockdown called a motion control order (MCO) was enforced on March 18, and schools and businesses were forced to close to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Later it became a conditional MCO and a recovery MCO (RMCO), where almost all economic sectors resumed their operations.
Malaysia’s RMCO phase is scheduled to run until December 31.
The prime minister, in his speech, explained that instead of a nationwide MCO, authorities would enforce Targeted Enhanced MCO (TEMCO) in high-caseload areas.
“I believe that preparing our health system will allow us to handle the COVID-19 pandemic without having to shut down economic systems as was done before.
“Currently, the economic recovery is going well. Any decision that is made must take into account the livelihood of the 15 million inhabitants,” he said.
READ: Malaysia reports 691 new COVID-19 cases, the biggest daily jump since the start of the pandemic
Earlier, Muhyiddin had said that the Malaysian economy loses approximately RM2.4 billion (US $ 578 million) each day the MCO is enforced.
In his speech, the prime minister said that decisions on interstate travel restrictions and school closings would be made after a thorough discussion by the National Security Council.
“I understand that many parents are concerned about their children in school. Currently, the government has decided to close schools in the red zones.”
“If there is a need to restrict travel between states, the National Security Council will discuss and make a decision. I guarantee that members of the public will be notified well in advance before any decision is enforced so that no one is stranded.” added. he said.
Muhyiddin added that the government was studying a proposal to restrict events and meetings such as conferences and wedding banquets.
The Ministry of Health will provide its contributions in this regard, he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin poses with Sabah residents in Luyang. (Photo: Prime Minister’s Office)
THE SABAH SURVEYS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR
Noting the increase in cases in Kedah and Sabah, Muhyiddin said he admitted that the Sabah state elections were one of the factors contributing to the increase in the state of Borneo.
“I admit that the election campaign in Sabah is part of the reasons for the increase in COVID-19 cases. State elections had to be called after the Sabah head of state dissolved the state assembly on July 30,” he said.
“I am aware that the Election Commission had specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that COVID-19 (virus) it is not spread as a result of electoral campaigns. But unfortunately some SOPs were not met, “he said, adding that social distancing was not maintained.
Currently, four districts of Sabah – Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna – are under TEMCO.
Earlier Tuesday, Chief Minister and Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had announced a travel ban from Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and the Labuan Federal Territory from October 12 to 25.
Entry to Sabah is also limited to Sabahans and their spouses, essential service workers, and permanent residents of the state.
“I HAVE TO START USING THE ROD”
In his speech Tuesday, Muhyiddin stressed that punishments await those who do not comply with SOPs, regardless of their status or titles.
Enforcement officers will be deployed across the country to ensure compliance among the people, he added.
“I apologize if this abah has to start using the cane,” he said, referring to himself using the word Maly for father.
Muhyiddin is currently in a 14-day home quarantine, after a minister who attended a meeting he chaired over the weekend tested positive for COVID-19.
He said there would be no double standards when it comes to the quarantine order.
“As Prime Minister, I am not exempt from this SOP. This is the second time I have self-quarantined at home since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. I must follow the rules.
“Like the seven ministers and the six vice ministers. All of them are not exempt from following the quarantine order. They must adhere to the rule and if they do not comply with it, actions will be taken against them, ”he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be under control in Malaysia between June and August, until cases began to rise again in September.
On Tuesday, Malaysia reported another day of record cases. The 691 new cases brought the total so far to 13,504.
READ: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin in 14-day home quarantine after Minister of Religious Affairs tested positive for COVID-19
In a statement on Monday, Muhyddin said that he had previously chaired a special meeting of the National Security Council on Saturday, which was also attended by Prime Minister’s Department Minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
Since then, the minister has tested positive for COVID-19 and is seeking treatment at a hospital in Seremban, he added.
Muhyddin said he would self-quarantine at his residence for 14 days according to the advice of the Health Ministry.
“However, this will not affect government affairs. I will continue to work from home and have video calls for meetings that I have to chair,” the prime minister said.
Malaysia was forced to enforce the Movement Control Order when COVID-19 cases began to rise in March. (File photo: Bernama)
The prime minister added that the Health Ministry has tested all attendees and the secretariat for Saturday’s meeting for COVID-19.
He also said that as a precautionary measure, he has had a swab test every two weeks since April and all the results were negative.
In a tweet on Tuesday, Dr. Zulkifli said: “This period of time granted by Allah SWT gives me the opportunity to reflect and examine areas for improvement for the future.”
“I am, from the bottom of a truly sincere heart, once again apologizing for what happened.”
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