By Iylia Marsya Iskandar
GOMBAK, 10 May 2020: The conditional movement control order (CMCO) which started from 4 May and supposed to end on 12 May, has now been extended by another four weeks until 9 June, Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin announced today.
In a special address to the nation which was televised earlier today, the Prime Minister said that the decision was made as the country has yet to fully contain the COVID-19 pandemic, following advice of the Health Ministry and the National Security Council.
œWhat this means is all the rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are being implemented will remain until 9 June, and any changes to these SOPs, or the list of business sectors that are allowed to operate, will be announced in the future, he added.
He further said that with the extension, Malaysians would not be allowed to travel interstate for three major festivals that fall during this period, namely Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Pesta Keamatan dan Hari Gawai.
However, he said, the public can still celebrate with family members who reside in the same state, provided there should be not more than 20 individuals gathering at the same time.
“Every family must abide by the government’s SOPs, including practising social distancing, wearing face masks, using hand sanitisers, and ensuring homes are always clean.”
Tan Sri Muhyiddin also said that exception would be given to married couples who live in different states, with flexibility to be given to them to meet their families after permission has been obtained from the police.
On whether congregational prayers like Friday and Hari Raya prayers will be allowed, the Prime Minister said that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) was in the midst of ironing out the SOPs. Once this is finalised, the matter will be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay rulers, as head of religion, to be consented.
He said, “Only then the government will announce the permission for the public to take part in the congressional prayers. Just give a bit of time for the SOPs to be finalised.”
Similarly for Malaysians of other religions, the Prime Minister added, the government would also announce soon the guideline for those who wanted to visit their respective houses of worship. ***
Photo credit: Free Malaysia Today