COVID-19: Malaysia to open 'almost all' financial sectors from May 4 with health protocols set up, says PM Muhyiddin

Most monetary sectors in Malaysia will open from Monday (May 4) with health protocols in place, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in his Labour Day message. 

In his speech that was broadcast live on Friday, Mr Muhyiddin said: "With advice from the Ministry of Health, predicated on data collected, and protocol outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), the federal government has made a decision to open its financial sectors carefully, while implementing stringent health standard operating procedures (SOP)."

"Almost all financial sectors and business activities will be permitted to operate from May 4, according to protocols and SOP decided by authorities." 

However, Mr Muhyiddin explained that some industries and business activities will remain closed as they involve mass gatherings, and where social distancing is difficult to enforce. 

These includes cinemas, karaoke lounges, reflexology centres, nightclubs, Ramadan bazaars, Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars, sale carnivals along with all conferences and exhibitions. 

Furthermore, sports activities that involve body contact and mass gatherings will also not proceed. Included in these are football, rugby, swimming in public areas areas and all indoor sports. 

Meanwhile, outdoor activities such as for example badminton, tennis, cycling, golf and running in small groups with only 10 people, will be permitted. 

Describing this as the "conditional movement control order (MCO)", Mr Muhyiddin added that restaurants, with enough room to ensure social distancing between customers, will also be allowed to open.

However, he maintained that religious activities such as Friday prayers and other prayers in congregation in mosques will not be permitted. 

Interstate travel, including to return to hometowns for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration, isn't allowed, he added. 

Mr Muhyiddin also said that schools and institutions of higher learning will stay closed. 

"A full list of activities which will is prohibited will be reflected on the National Security Council website," he said. 

"The list will be reviewed every once in awhile depending on the quantity of COVID-19 cases," he added. 

The MCO, enforced since Mar 18 and extended for 3 x until May 12, is targeted at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia. 

As of Friday, there are a total of 6,002 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, of whom 4,171 or 69.5 % have been discharged. 

MALAYSIA HAS SUCCESSFULLY CONTROLLED SPREAD OF COVID-19: MUHYIDDIN 

Mr Muhyiddin made the announcement to open most financial sectors following a reduction in new COVID-19 cases in the united states in recent weeks, an indicator that the MCO has confirmed to be fruitful. 

He highlighted in his speech that Malaysia's economy has suffered a lack of RM2.4 billion (US$560 million) everyday because the MCO was implemented. The full total losses are estimated at RM63 billion, he added. 

Should MCO be extended for another month, Malaysia would see a further lack of RM35 billion, the prime minister said. 

In his speech, Mr Muhyiddin highlighted how discipline showed by residents to remain at home through the MCO has taken encouraging results. 

He explained that has helped raise the Ministry of Health's features in treating COVID-19 patients. Malaysia could have enough manpower, beds  in hospitals, quarantine centres, medication, ventilators, personal protective equipment, and testing labs in the event infection rate rises again. 

He also acknowledged that in the coming months, it might be impossible for any countries to attain zero new COVID-19 cases, Hence, Malaysia must upgrade the capacities of its public healthcare services to "face any possibilities", he added. 

"Even though we have successfully manipulated the spread of COVID-19, don't be careless. Stay vigilant. Practise social distancing, wash the hands frequently, wear a nose and mouth mask in public areas and quickly see a doctor if you have any observeable symptoms," said Mr Muhyiddin.