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KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Friday (August 28) that restrictions on the country’s movement will be extended until December 31, as the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
In a nationally televised speech, Tan Sri Muhyiddin said that the recent worrying emergence of new clusters in various states and the number of cases also led him to extend the recovery movement control order (MCO).
“Although we have handled the crisis well … in the interest of all, the government has decided that the recovery of the MCO will last until December 31, 2020,” he said.
The extension will allow the government to quickly manage outbreaks under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act of 1988, he said, while Malaysians will continue to adhere to health protocols established by the government.
Under the recovery MCO that began on June 10, most businesses have been able to reopen as long as they follow protocols such as recording the temperatures of visitors to their facilities and enforcing social distancing.
Nightclubs and pubs remained closed under the recovery MCO, and authorities said it would be impossible to guarantee health protocols such as social distancing at such outlets.
The movement restrictions were originally scheduled to end on Monday.
Malaysia’s borders will also remain closed overall, and those flying to Malaysia must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine to prevent the spread of imported cases.
“Tourists still cannot enter the country to avoid import cases,” he said.
Malaysia first imposed movement restrictions on March 18, forcing schools and non-essential businesses to close. People were confined to their homes except to buy food and basic necessities or to seek medical treatment.
The strict stay-at-home rules paid off as daily cases began to decline, prompting the government to initiate the MCO recovery as of June 10, gradually reopening many businesses and mass activities such as public worship and contact sports.
Malaysia made it mandatory on Aug. 1 for everyone to wear face masks in crowded public places and on public transport, after authorities observed less compliance with social distancing as it entered the recovery phase of sidewalks.
“Because face masks are becoming an essential item in our daily life, the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Affairs is arguing with manufacturers to reduce the price. If it is successful, the price will be more affordable and it can ease our burden, “said Prime Minister Muhyiddin in his speech.
Malaysia reported 10 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total infections to 9,306. The total number of deaths caused by the virus stood at 125.
The Ministry of Health has proposed increasing the fine by 10 times to RM10,000 for those who violate the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act of 1988 (Act 342).
“I support the recommendation of the Ministry of Health to increase the fine for those who committed a crime (according to the Law), at least two or three times more than the current amount. But this must be studied first before amending the law, ”Muhyiddin said.
The ministry’s proposal came just days after Cabinet Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali breached the mandatory quarantine order upon his return from Turkey on July 7.
Rather than being quarantined for 14 days like other returnees from abroad, he was seen in his social media posts attending functions with others, even meeting other ministers.
This sparked public ire, as other Malaysians had been fined and even jailed for violating the quarantine.
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