PM: MCO on six states as COVID-19 cases rise exponentially

PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced movement control order (MCO) for 14 days, beginning 12.01 midnight on Wednesday (Jan 13) until Jan 26.

In a special address today, Muhyiddin said the MCO will involve three phases, which are:

-MCO on six states which are Penang, Selangor, Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan), Malacca, Johor and Sabah

– Conditional MCO (CMCO) on six states which are Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan

– Recovery MCO in others states like Perlis and Sarawak.

On places under MCO, people are only allowed to travel within a 10-km radius, to purchase essential goods at nearby stores.

However, only two people will be allowed to travel in a vehicle, and anyone found to have breached the regulation will be fined RM1,000.

On the economic sector, Muhyiddin said only five sectors will be allowed to operate during MCO, which are:

1) manufacturing and production

2) construction

3) services

4) trade and distribution

5) plantations and commodity

“Even then, we will only 30% of the workforce to be present at one time,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the workforce must adhere to strict standard operating procedure (SOP) or risk getting punished by the authorities.

“Any employer found to have flouted SOP rules will face stern action, including having their premises shut down.”

Employees working in non-essential industries will be required to work from home.

As foe eateries, Muhyiddin said they will be allowed to operate but only takeaway will be allowed.

“Dining-in will not be allowed. Food delivery services, however, will be allowed to operate as usual.”

On the social front, the Pagoh MP said that all social, religious and cultural activities involving mass gatherings, including weddings and events are disallowed.

“With that, Chinese New Year and Thaipusam celebrations are not allowed. Interstate travelling is not allowed nationwide while in MCO areas, even inter-district travelling is barred,” he said.

Despite strict movement control, Muhyiddin announced there will be exceptions for students who are to sit for national examinations.

“For those sitting for SPM and other major exams for the 2020/2021 session will be allowed to attend school, with strict SOPs attached.

“The Education Ministry will provide details on this later,” he said.

On religious activities, only committee members of the house of worship will be allowed in, with a maximum of five individuals at a time.

“For areas under CMCO and RMCO, religious activities will be allowed, with a minimum number of people set by the SOP,” he said.

On another note, Muhyiddin said that he understands that long isolation period would affect one’s mental health and have set aside several measures to help the situation.

“You will be allowed to leave home with your family for a small getaway, but ensure you’re two-metres apart from each other.

“If you’re going for jogging, make sure there are just two of you. If you’re riding a bicycle, don’t move in a group. Just cycle alone,” he added. – Jan 11, 2021. 

Subscribe and get top news delivered to your Inbox everyday for FREE