Malaysia imposes nationwide lockdown following surge in Covid-19 cases

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIA has announced that the entire country, with the exception of Sarawak, will come under the Movement Control Order (MCO) after the government decided to place six more states under the restriction following a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the MCO will be enforced in Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu and Perlis from midnight on Jan 22 to Feb 4.

The New Straits Times reported Mr Ismail Sabri as saying that the decision was made upon the advice and risk assessment of the Health Ministry.

"The standard operating procedures (SOP) are the same as I have announced recently. People are barred from going out, except two persons from a household to get daily essentials and for emergencies," Mr Ismail Sabri told reporters.

"Any need for travel will only be allowed with the consent of the police.

"Restaurants, shops, food stalls, food trucks, roadside food hawkers, food courts, kiosks, grocery shops and convenience shops are allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm.

"People are allowed to pack their food, drive through, or order through food delivery services from 6am to 8pm.

"Hospitals and clinics can open for 24 hours, and pharmacies can operate from 6am to 8pm.

"Petrol stations can operate from 6am to 10pm, except for those at highways that can be open around the clock."