In light of the COVID19 pandemic that has swept across the globe these recent months, many citizens of the world have been infected, died and cured of this disease.
In Malaysia alone, we have seen small numbers of infection during the first wave (in January and early February) and has since then climbed quickly at the end of February and March.
Due to this, the Primer Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has made an announcement on 16th of March that Malaysia will go under Movement Control Order (MCO) from 18th until 31st March 2020.
Citizens’ movements will be restricted in hopes to “break the chain of infection” and the contagion contained. This decision is made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967.
Malaysia Movement Control Order (MCO) to Help Reduce Numbers of Infections
Why MCO?
The Government wants us to stay at home, have less social contact and help flatten the “graph”. Although the period of MCO is only 14 days (too little for me), it is also the virus’ incubation period which will then develop symptoms (if you are infected).
For the next 14 days, citizens should be aware of own health. If you develop any of the COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a person who is positive COVID-19, quickly go to your nearest Government Hospital for testing (list of the hospital at bottom of post).
MCO is not a “lockdown” as we have seen in China months ago and in Italy very recently. MCO does have some restrictions on Malaysian citizens and tourists coming into Malaysia.
Will Malaysia Movement Control Order (MCO) Affect Your Traveling?
Yes, the MCO will affect inbound and outbound travels.
One of the most important things you SHOULD NOT do during MCO is to travel (overseas or domestic).
Below is what Malaysia’s MCO means:
All government and private premises would be closed except those providing essential services such as:
- Banking & Financial
- Water, Electricity, Energy and Telecommunications
- Postal services
- Transportation
- Oil, Gas, Fuel
- Broadcasting
- Health & Pharmacy
- Fire & Rescue Department
- Prison
- Ports & Airports
- Security
- Defence
- Cleaning
- Retail Markets (Supermarkets and Wet Markets only) and Food Supply (only for take away, no dine-in)
However, this can only be effective if the citizens adhere to the restrictions, do not travel to other states and follow the simple rules to keep COVID-19 in check.
For citizens who has any inquiries on the Movement Control Order (MCO), please call the National Operations Management Centre hotline at 03-8882010 from 17th March noon onwards.
For citizens who need to get themselves tested of COVID-19 (for being in contact with a positive COVID-19 patient or having COVID-19 symptoms), here is the list of hospitals in Malaysia that you can visit:
Make sure to cover yourself with a face mask and inform the frontliners immediately of your predicament when you arrive at the hospital. Do not keep information to yourself and put others in danger.
Selamat berstay at home!