Malaysia will deploy army to keep everyone indoors
Malaysia will deploy its army starting on Sunday to ensure the public stays at home through the two-week lockdown meant to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are confident that with the help from the army, there will be more control and we hope the people will obey the orders issued by the government," said Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob after attending a meeting with ministers on the Restriction of Movement Order Friday.
The number of confirmed cases in the country has continued to climb to reach a total of 1,030 as of Friday, the most in Southeast Asia, even as the growth has started to plateau. Malaysia has reported two fatality from the disease.
Malaysia banned citizens from traveling overseas while shutting schools, shops and many public services until March 31 in a bid to limit the spread of the disease. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin urged people to stay home and warned the government may need to extend the period of lockdown if the measure fails to contain the virus during these two weeks.
Ismail said some Malaysians were still flouting the government order, with some taking their children to the playground or eating in groups at restaurants. Still, public compliance had increased from the 60% seen on Wednesday, when the order first came into effect. Police have set up roadblocks around the country to advise drivers to stay home.