KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — “Just stay at home,” Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin advised Malaysians tonight, saying this is most necessary to break the chain of infection of Covid-19.
“I appeal to all of you. Please. Stay put where you are. Those of you who are in Kuala Lumpur, just remain in Kuala Lumpur. Those of you who are in Johor Bahru, just stay in Johor Bahru. Those of you who are in Penang, just stay in Penang.
“If you plan to return to your villages (and hometowns), dismiss that intention. I appeal to you (to remain at home) just for these two weeks,” he said in a special address to the nation over television to explain the importance for the people to strictly observe the movement control order in force from March 18 to 31 to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
Prime minister on Monday, announced that Malaysia would enforce the Movement Control Order from March 18 (today) until 31 to contain Covid-19 outbreak.
Muhyiddin said he made the appeal as many had left for their respective hometowns yesterday, causing congestion on highways while bus terminal packed with people, whereas that was not the real purpose of the Movement Control Order.
“For these two weeks, all of you just need to stay at home. Just stay at home. Spend your time with your children, wife and family members. Don’t go out anywhere.
“It (the Order) is not meant for you to go back to your hometown nor to attend weddings or going shopping or for vacations. It is not (the purpose). The purpose is for all of you to stay at home. Stay at home and protect yourself and your family,” said the prime minister.
Muhyiddin said people are still allowed to go to the public markets and restaurants to get daily essentials, however, they must exercise caution including keeping their distance from other people.
Prime minister also advised people not to go to any social gatherings that could expose them to the Covid-19 infection.
“I also appeal to parents to postpone your children’s wedding receptions. You can hold the akad nikah (solemnisation) but put on hold the reception. Do it after the situation has improved.
“I think your children and invited relatives understand the current situation that we are facing. Nothing to be ashamed of. Tell the guests that the wedding reception has been cancelled due to Covid-19. I believe that they will thank you for thinking about their health,” he said.
He said such preventive measure was critical to curbing the spread of the virus.
Earlier, it was reported that as at noon today 117 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the country, bringing the cumulative number to 790 cases.
Commenting on the latest development, Muhyiddin said firmer actions must be taken to contain the outbreak.
— Bernama
