PM extends MCO for two more weeks to 12 May

In a special address today, prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced a further extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by another two weeks, to 12 May 2020. The third phase of MCO was previously extended until 28 April 2020.

The prime minister said while there are positive results from the MCO, with daily cases down to double digits, “the war against COVID-19 isn’t over.” Based on data provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH), efforts to curb the outbreak must continue.

The recovery rate for COVID-19 in Malaysia is at 63.2 per cent, or 3,542 patients, out of a total of 5,603 cases. Malaysia has one of the highest recovery rates in the world. The death toll stands at 95 with 71 new cases today.

He does not deny that the MCO may continue to be extended until the outbreak can be contained completely.

However, if reported cases of COVID-19 drop drastically, the government may consider loosening MCO restriction in stages for selected sectors including social sectors. This is to enable a more “comfortable” life for the people. The National Security Council is currently devising a plan to facilitate this.

With the potential of a further extension of the MCO, the government is studying ways to revive the economy, in stages. This includes a short-term and mid-term economy revival plan to hasten recovery once the MCO is lifted in the near future.