KUCHING, March 18: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin warned that the Movement Control Order could be extended if the intended outcome to contain the spread of Covid-19 outbreak could not be achieved.
He emphasised that it was important for everyone to isolate themselves and their families from being exposed to the Covid-19 virus by staying at home.
“Tonight, I plead to all of you to understand the current Covid-19 situation in this country. We need to put stringent measures to break the chain of Covid-19 infections. That is why the government implemented the Order, which came into force today,” he said during a special television broadcast today.
Highlighting that Malaysia recorded 117 new positive Covid-19 cases today, bringing to a total of 790 cases nationwide, Muhyiddin said that this was not a good development for the country.
“The goal of the Order is to keep everyone from moving around. People don’t have to cram in public transportation, eat at crowded places, children don’t have to go to school or participate in any sports and other activities that can expose them to Covid-19 virus,” he said.
He observed that many people have attempted to return to their respective hometowns across Peninsular Malaysia last night (March 17) which in turn caused highways to be congested and bus and train stations were crowded.
“Please help us by staying put where you are right now just for two weeks. If you are in Kuala Lumpur, stay there. If you are in Johor Bahru, stay there. If you are in Penang, stay there. I know it is school holidays and you may have plans to return to your hometowns but please cancel the trip.
“Why cancel your plans? Because we want to break the chain of infection so that the number of people infected during this COvid-19 outbreak can be reduced. I ask that all of you to understand, this is only two weeks. Please stay at home, protect yourself and your family,” Muhyiddin pleaded.
He explained that it would be easier to isolate those with the Covid-19 virus, which has an incubation period of 14 days, if everyone adheres to the restriction order and stays at home.— DayakDaily
