Malaysia declares nationwide lockdown as Covid-19 cases spike - The Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will be imposing a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) beginning Wednesday (May 12) until early June to stem the rising Covid-19 cases in the country, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Monday (May 10). 

Tan Sri Muhyiddin said in a statement that the decision was taken by the National Security Council (NSC) – the decision making body on the pandemic – during a meeting chaired by the premier on Monday. 

This is the third widespread movement curbs imposed in Malaysia since the onset of pandemic in Malaysia, and will likely be the strictest MCO imposed since March 2020, when much of Malaysia’s economy was shuttered. 

Mr Muhyiddin said economic activities will remain open throughout the country, but all social activities, events, dining-in at restaurants, and inter-district and inter-state travel are banned. 

Travel across state and district lines is only allowed for work, emergencies, medical appointments, visiting spouses, and for vaccination appointments. 

Only select outdoor exercises are allowed under the new orders, which will last until June 7, Mr Muhyiddin said.

The announcement is just days before Malaysia’s biggest annual festival, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which will be celebrated on Thursday (May 13).