Malaysia tightens curbs in parts of Selangor as virus spikes

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia will impose tightened movement restrictions in dozens of sub-districts across Selangor, its richest state, and several localities in Kuala Lumpur beginning Saturday to curb the worsening coronavirus outbreak.

People staying in districts such as Petaling and Klang must remain at home throughout the so-called Enhanced Movement Control Order from July 3 until July 16, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in a statement on Thursday. Only one person may leave the home at a time to purchase essential items, he added.

Malaysia posted 6,988 new Covid cases on Thursday, with Selangor and Kuala Lumpur contributing more than half the infections, despite the ongoing nationwide lockdown announced on June 1 to tackle the outbreak. The virus' effective reproduction rate, or R-naught, has been on the rise since Friday and stayed above 1.0 for the past two days.

"Every district in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur recorded more than 12.1 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people," Mr Ismail said, adding that there was no sign of a drop in infectivity rate there.

Airports and docks may continue to run as usual in areas under the EMCO, while public transport will operate at 50 per cent capacity, he said. Sports, social, recreational and cultural activities will not be permitted in the affected districts.

People working in essential services or carrying out government duties will be exempted, and factories producing food, medicines and masks are allowed to operate, Mr Ismail said.

BLOOMBERG