M’sian PM Begs Citizens To “Sit Quietly At Home”, Lockdown Might Extend If Situation Doesn’t Improve

Malaysia Might Extend Lockdown If Covid-19 Numbers Don’t Improve

Malaysia is currently on lockdown till 31 Mar to curb the spread of Covid-19. And it seems the restricted movement order could further extend if the situation doesn’t improve.

In an address to the nation on Wednesday (18 Mar), Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that this movement control order could extend past their initial 2 weeks if Covid-19 numbers remain unsatisfactory, according to The Straits Times.

PM Muhyiddin in his address on 18 Mar
Source

This comes after citizens take advantage of the order to travel around the country.

Movement control order not for visiting hometowns

Reportedly, Malaysians have been clamouring to purchase bus tickets to return to their hometowns for the duration of the lockdown.

As Covid-19 can be contracted via touch or through droplets, the resulting crowded bus stations and congested highways were a key point of concern.

PM Muhyiddin stressed,

The purpose of the order is not for you to go back to your hometowns, to attend functions, go shopping, go for walks in parks or visit holiday spots.

Lockdown might extend for another 2 weeks or more

According to TODAY Online, the decision to halt all non-essential services was to minimise movement among the masses, and limit the spread of Covid-19.

However, if the outbreak is not contained, the government would be forced to extend the movement control order for another 2 weeks or more.

PM Muhyiddin hence urges all citizens,

I plead with you, once again, just sit quietly at home.

Malaysia the worst hit country in Southeast Asia

To date, 790 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Malaysia, with 2 deaths. This makes the nation the worst-hit country in Southeast Asia.

This might explain why Malaysia has taken such drastic measures to control the spread of the pandemic.

Hopefully, the movement control order works as intended, so that there is no need to extend it further.

Featured image adapted from TTR Weekly.