PUTRAJAYA, May 2 — The movement control order (MCO) is still in force although the conditional movement control order (CMCO) will be introduced this Monday.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, Act 342 will come into force throughout the CMCO period beginning May 4, and action would be taken against violators.
“The CMCO announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday was based on two key criteria, namely the importance of health and the need to stimulate the country’s economy.
“… however stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) will remain. It should be reminded that the MCO is still ongoing and with the introduction of the CMCO, it does not mean there is no more Act to ensure the public follow the directives,” he told a daily press conference here today.
Concerned about the well-being of the people at the grassroots level, Ismail Sabri said the government is giving them, especially the stall and shop operators, the opportunity to earn some income.
However, he said the government would not compromise and the premises would be shut down if they fail to comply with the SOPs which have been set.
“We are giving them a chance to at least earn a small income by operating in front of their houses. This does not mean that the MCO has been withdrawn, we are just easing it.
While admitting that the fight against Covid-19 is far from over, he advised the public to continue to discipline themselves in maintaining cleanliness during the CMCO.
He said the new normal is to be the culture and the responsibility does not lie with the government alone adding that it is everyone’s’ duty to stay safe.
“This is the new normal, even if the MCO comes to an end, social distancing and washing hands with soap and water must be maintained, to protect our health and safety,” he said.
— Bernama
