Malaysia extends movement curbs and foreign tourist ban until year-end
Malaysia has extended movement curbs and a ban on foreign tourists until December 31 as the coronavirus pandemic is not showing any signs of subsiding soon. The nationwide restrictions were originally slated to end on August 31.
The country’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the decision in a national televised address on August 28, saying that the recent “worrying emergence” of new clusters in several states and number of cases led the government to extend the so-called movement control order (MCO).
“Although we have handled the crisis well… in the interest of everyone, the government has decided that the recovery MCO will be extended to December 31, 2020,” he said.
Malaysia first imposed the movement curbs on March 18, forcing schools and non-essential businesses to shut down. People were confined to their homes except to buy food and essential items, or to seek medical treatment.
Slow opening of public life and businesses
Under the second phase – or recovery phase – of the MCO that began on June 10, most businesses have been allowed to reopen as long as they follow protocols such as recording the temperatures of visitors to their premises and imposing social distancing.
Nightclubs and pubs remain shut under the recovery MCO, with the authorities saying it would be impossible to ensure health protocols such as social distancing at such outlets.
Malaysia’s borders will also generally remain shut, particularly for foreign tourists, with those flying into the country mandated to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine to prevent the spread of imported cases.
Malaysia on August 1 also made it compulsory for everyone to wear face masks in crowded public places and on public transport, after the authorities observed lower compliance to social distancing when it entered the recovery phase of the curbs. Those who do not comply are being fined.
As of August 31, Malaysia reported total Covid-19 infections of 9,340, with 127 deceased and 9,054 recovered.
Ghost town: Kuala Lumpur's business district remains deserted Malaysia has extended movement curbs and a ban on foreign tourists until December 31 as the coronavirus pandemic is not showing any signs of subsiding soon. The nationwide restrictions were originally slated to end on August 31. The country’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the decision in a national televised address on August 28, saying that the recent “worrying emergence” of new clusters in several states and number of cases led the government to extend the so-called movement control order (MCO). “Although we have handled the crisis well... in the interest of everyone, the...
Malaysia has extended movement curbs and a ban on foreign tourists until December 31 as the coronavirus pandemic is not showing any signs of subsiding soon. The nationwide restrictions were originally slated to end on August 31.
The country’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the decision in a national televised address on August 28, saying that the recent “worrying emergence” of new clusters in several states and number of cases led the government to extend the so-called movement control order (MCO).
“Although we have handled the crisis well… in the interest of everyone, the government has decided that the recovery MCO will be extended to December 31, 2020,” he said.
Malaysia first imposed the movement curbs on March 18, forcing schools and non-essential businesses to shut down. People were confined to their homes except to buy food and essential items, or to seek medical treatment.
Slow opening of public life and businesses
Under the second phase – or recovery phase – of the MCO that began on June 10, most businesses have been allowed to reopen as long as they follow protocols such as recording the temperatures of visitors to their premises and imposing social distancing.
Nightclubs and pubs remain shut under the recovery MCO, with the authorities saying it would be impossible to ensure health protocols such as social distancing at such outlets.
Malaysia’s borders will also generally remain shut, particularly for foreign tourists, with those flying into the country mandated to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine to prevent the spread of imported cases.
Malaysia on August 1 also made it compulsory for everyone to wear face masks in crowded public places and on public transport, after the authorities observed lower compliance to social distancing when it entered the recovery phase of the curbs. Those who do not comply are being fined.
As of August 31, Malaysia reported total Covid-19 infections of 9,340, with 127 deceased and 9,054 recovered.
