Malaysia announces movement control order after spike in Covid-19 cases (updated)

Muhyiddin said the decision was made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967.

He said the prohibition of movement and mass assembly nationwide would include all religious, sports, social and cultural activities.

"To enforce this prohibition, all places of worship and business premises must be closed except for supermarkets, public markets, grocery stores, and stores selling basic necessities," he said during a live telecast on Monday (March 16) night.

Muhyiddin added that all religious activities in mosques and surau will be suspended in line with the Special Muzakarah Council's decision on Sunday (March 15).

He said that this includes Friday prayers.

Muhyiddin added that Malaysians will be barred from leaving the country and restrictions placed on the entry of all tourists and foreign visitors into Malaysia.

"Malaysians who have returned from overseas have to go for a health check-up and undergo self-quarantine for 14 days," he said.

Muhyiddin added that all nurseries, government and private schools, including boarding schools, international schools, tahfiz centres as well as primary, secondary and pre-university education institutions will be closed.

This also includes all public and private universities as well as vocational training centres.

Muhyiddin added that government and private premises would be closed except those providing essential services.

These include water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, post, transportation, water services, oil, gas, fuel, broadcasting, financial, banking, health, pharmacy, the Fire and Rescue Department, prisons, ports, airports, security, defence, cleaning, retail and food supplies.

"I understand that you may feel that this action that has been taken by the government will result in inconvenience and problems in your daily lives. However, the government must take this action to curb the spread of the virus that could potentially take the lives of the people in this country.

"We have seen a sudden increase in Covid-19 cases from a few hundreds to a few thousands in a short span of time in other countries. I am sure, you do not want the same thing to happen in our country.

"We cannot wait any longer until the situation become dire. Such drastic action needed to be made immediately to prevent the spread of the virus by limiting people's movements," he said.

Muhyiddin also called for calm, adding that people should not panic and be overly-anxious.

He assured that supply of food and daily essentials, including face masks, were sufficient nationwide, adding that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry would be monitoring supply.

"I urge all Malaysians to abide by this movement control order. This is our collective responsibility as citizens who care for our families, our communities and our country," he said.

Any enquiries on the movement control order can be directed to the National Operations Management Centre at hotline 03-8888 2010beginning noon on Tuesday (May 17).