PUTRAJAYA: The government has no plan to implement the Movement Control Order (MCO) or total lockdown nationwide though the number of new COVID-19 cases is surging.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, if MCO is carried out the impact will be great that could ruin the social system and the national economy.
Muhyiddin said, the government will impose the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO) in areas that had been identified as highly affected by COVID-19 cases.
“With TEMCO, the economic and social activities in other areas that are not affected could be carried out with strict standard operating procedure (SOP) and stern legal enforcement.
“I believe the preparedness of our health system will combat the COVID-19 without closing the economic sectors that had been carried out before,” said Muhyiddin on a special live telecast on the national TV and other social media on Oct.6.
The Prime Minister said, the economic recovery has been going on well and whatever decision made by the government will have to consider 15 million people who go out to work. This is important for the people’s livelihood and the national economic stability.
Regarding the worries of parents on their children going to school during this time, Muhyiddin said, currently only schools in the red zones including Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna in Sabah are closed.
“If necessary the decision to close schools nationwide will be made in a Special Meeting of the National Security Council on the Management of COVID-19 with the advice of the Ministry of Health,” he added.
In another development the Prime Minister said, the new travel control between Sabah to the Peninsular, Sarawak and Labuan will be effective on October 12, 12.01 midnight until October 25, 2020 and not October 7 until 20th October 2020 as announced earlier by Senior and Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“I have made the decision to give more time before the control is implemented and to avoid passengers stranded as a result of the short notice to change their travel schedule,” he reiterated.
The Prime Minister added, the government is studying the proposal to limit events and gatherings to reduce the transmissions of COVID-19. This includes big conference, wedding and gathering besides imposing additional SOP if necessary.
What is required now Muhyiddin said is for everyone to adhere to the SOP and follow government’s advice. Front liners and the enforcement agencies will be directed to be at public places to ensure SOPs are adhered to by the people.
“For those who fail to adhere to the law, they will be compounded or face other charges regardless of position and status. Sorry if I (Abah) begin to use the “rotan” or cane,” he said. –Malaysia World News
