PETALING JAYA: The federal government has extended the movement control order (MCO) to April 14.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the decision on the extension, previously set to be decided on March 30, was announced today, to allow Malaysians time to prepare themselves in anticipation of the prolonged extension of the MCO.
“Please stay calm and don’t panic. Even though we have extended the MCO, you don’t have to unnecessarily stock up on food because the supply is sufficient. I assure you that food is enough for everybody,“ the PM assured.
“I know you feel burdened but I don’t have a choice. I have to extend the MCO for your own safety,“ he said addressing the nation via live telecast today.
Muhyiddin also said that the decision was made because of the rise in the number of positive Covid-19 cases.
“I have been given a briefing by the National Security Council and the Health Ministry. The current trend shows that new positive cases of Covid-19 are still increasing.
“This trend is expected to continue for some time before the number of new cases drops,“ he said.
Muhyiddin also revealed that there were 172 new cases found positive with Covid-19 as at 12pm today. This brings the total number of cases to 1,796 as of noon today.
“I would like to state, from the onset, that the situation may become tougher. Covid-19 is a disease that we have never faced before. We never thought that our way of life could change in the blink of an eye due to a disease that has spread not only in our country but across the world,” he said.
The rapid rate of infection has seen 422,829 people across the world infected 18,907 deaths, all from Covid-19, the PM added.
The extension will also see a second stimulus package being announced this Friday, according to Muhyiddin, one that is more wholesome and includes the everyday person in Malaysia.
“It will benefit all, no matter whether you are a taxi driver, grab driver, farmer, restaurant owner, nasi lemak seller, goreng pisang seller, burger seller, day job worker ... the government will work really hard to make sure you will receive benefits.
“Insya Allah, no one will be left behind,“ he said.
He also call upon all Zakat institutions and charity organisations nationwide, to be more proactive in helping the poor and the needy, regardless of race and religion, and for medical staff including doctors, nurses and hospital workers, be given rest days with volunteers taking over in their absence.
