By Tuan Nurul Iffah Tuan Ismail
GOMBAK, 25 March 2020: Malaysia’s movement restriction order to curb the spread of Covid-19 has been extended from 31 March to 14 April following an increase in the infection cases.
In a special address broadcast live on television today, Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said that he was given a briefing by the National Security Council and the Health Ministry and the trend showed new Covid-19 positive cases had spiked.
He said: “The trend is expected to continue for a while before we can see the number of new cases reported decline. The government is of the opinion that the control should continue.”
In line with this development, he said that the government had decided to extend the Movement Control Order (MCO) for another two weeks until 14 April.
The Prime Minister said it was important to stop Covid-19 infections and the strategy can be a success if the people are not exposed to the virus through daily interactions. As at noon on Wednesday, 172 new Covid-19 cases were reported, bringing the cumulative cases to 1,796. The number of fatalities has risen to 17.
He therefore called on the public to be mentally and physically prepared to stay at home for a reasonably longer period of time.
Students who are scheduled to return to hostels need not do so and offices that are closed need not assume operation.
The situation is likely to be more difficult as Covid-19 is an outbreak we have never encountered before. We never expect our lives to suddenly change, but this epidemic had spread not just within our country, but throughout the world. The infection rate was so fast. Today, 422,829 people have been infected with the outbreak worldwide with 18,907 deaths.
Accordingly, people who have returned to their villages were advised to remain in their respective places and not to return to Kuala Lumpur or their home cities.
The Prime Minister advised the people to stay calm and don’t panic “This is indeed a real challenging moment for us.”
He said we all have the capability to adapt ourselves with the situation and to continue with our life. As the saying goes when “going gets tough, only the tough get going.” “When situation gets tough only those who are patient will be able to ride through.”
“Please remain calm and do not be worried. Even though we have extended the movement control order, you don’t have to unnecessarily stock up on food as the supply is sufficient. I assure you that there is enough food for everybody. God willing, no one will be left behind,” the Prime Minister added. ***