Malaysia partially easing virus curbs for most businesses from next week

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia will allow the majority of businesses to resume operations from May 4, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Friday, partially easing restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

In a televised address, Mr Muhyiddin said Malaysia was ready to begin a controlled and cautious reopening of economic activity. Businesses that involve large gatherings and close contacts, such as cinemas and Ramadan markets, will not be allowed to reopen, he said. Schools and universities will also remain closed.

Malaysia has shut all non-essential businesses and schools, banned public gatherings and restricted travel since March 18 as the number of coronavirus cases rose. Known coronavirus infections in Malaysia stood at 6,002 as of Thursday, and the pace of new cases has slowed in recent days.

"On the advice of the health ministry and based on data collected and best practices established by the World Health Organisation, the government has decided to reopen economic sectors cautiously by enforcing strict health standard operating procedures," Mr Muhyiddin said.

Some of the procedures include wearing masks, practising social distancing and maintaining high levels of personal hygiene, he said.

Sports activities that involve 10 or less people, such as running, badminton and cycling, will be allowed.

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Restaurants will also be allowed to reopen but they have to maintain strict social distancing, Mr Muhyiddin said.

Malaysia has not reopened its borders. Inter-state travel will also not be allowed.

The prime minister also said the government has lost RM63 billion (S$20.7 billion) from the movement and travel restrictions imposed over six weeks, and would have lost another RM35 billion if the curbs had been extended by a month.

Last month, Malaysia's central bank warned that the economy could shrink by as much as 2 per cent or grow 0.5 per cent this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, in what would be its worst economic performance in more than a decade.

Malaysia has announced a stimulus package worth RM250 billion, including a RM25 billion fiscal injection, to help cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic.

REUTERS