'No total lockdown as yet', says PM Muhyiddin as COVID-19 cases continue steadily to spike
07 October, 2020
Despite the sharp upsurge in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Tuesday (Oct 6) that the federal government hasn't considered enforcing a nationwide lockdown again.
In a televised national address, Mr Muhyiddin explained that was because doing so could lead to the collapse of the social and economic systems of the country.
"For now we aren't thinking of a total lockdown because if it is carried out once more, it can leave a sizable impact that we're afraid would crash the social and economical system in the country," he said.
The lockdown dubbed movement control order (MCO) was enforced on Mar 18, with schools and businesses forced to near to curb the spread of the coronavirus. It had been subsequently eased into conditional MCO and recovery MCO (RMCO), where virtually all economic sectors resumed their operations.
Malaysia's RMCO phase is scheduled to be enforced until Dec 31.
The prime minister, in his address, explained that instead of a nationwide MCO, authorities would instead enforce targeted increased MCO (TEMCO) in areas with a higher number of cases.
"I believe the readiness of our health and wellness system will permit us to control the COVID-19 pandemic without needing to shut monetary systems like that which was done before.
"Currently, the financial recovery is going well. Whatever decision that'll be made has to consider the livelihood of the 15 million working population," he said.
Previously, Mr Muhyiddin had said that the Malaysian economy loses approximately RM2.4 billion (US$578 million) each day the MCO was enforced.
In his address, the prime minister said that decisions on interstate travel restrictions and school closures will be done following thorough discussion by the National Security Council.
"I understand many parents are worried about their children in school. The government has decided to close schools in red zones."
"If there is a have to restrict inter-state travels, the National Security Council will discuss and decide. I guarantee that sufficient notice will get to members of the public before any decision is enforced in order that no person is stranded," he said.
Mr Muhyiddin added that the federal government was studying a proposal to restrict events and gatherings such as for example conferences and wedding banquets.
The Ministry of Health would provide its input on the problem, he said.
SABAH POLLS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR
Noting the increase in cases in Kedah and Sabah, Mr Muhyiddin said he admitted that the Sabah state election was among the contributing factors of the surge in the Borneo state.
"I admit that the election campaigning in Sabah is portion of the reasons for the upsurge in COVID-19 cases. The state election had to be called after Sabah head of state dissolved the state assembly on Jul 30," he said.
"I am aware that the Election Commission had specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) to make sure that the COVID-19 (virus) does not spread because of this of the election campaigns. But however some SOPs weren't honored," he said, adding that social distancing had not been maintained.
Currently, four districts in Sabah - Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna - are under TEMCO.
Previously Tuesday, Senior Minister and Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had announced a travel ban from Sabah to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan from Oct 12 to Oct 25.
Entry into Sabah can be limited by Sabahans and their spouses, personnel of essential services and long lasting residents of the state.
"I HAVE TO BEGIN USING THE CANE"
In his Tuesday address, Mr Muhyiddin stressed that punishments await those who failed to adhere to the SOPs, irrespective of their status or titles.
Enforcement officers will be deployed nationwide to make sure compliance among the people, he added.
"I apologise if this abah has to start out using the cane," he said, discussing himself using the Maly word for father.
Mr Muhyiddin happens to be undergoing a 14-day home quarantine, after a minister who attended a gathering he chaired over the weekend tested positive for COVID-19.
He said there will be no double standards in terms of quarantine order.
"As the prime minister, I am not exempted out of this SOP. It is the second time I am undergoing quarantine in the home because the COVID-19 pandemic hit the united states. I must follow the rules.
"As will the seven ministers and six deputy ministers. All of them are not exempted from following the quarantine order. They need to abide by the rule and if they usually do not comply, action will be studied against them," he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be under control in Malaysia between June and August, until cases started to rise again in September.
On Tuesday, Malaysia reported yet another day of record high cases. The 691 new cases brought the full total up to now to 13,504.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Muhyddin said he had earlier chaired a special National Security Council meeting on Saturday, that was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
The minister has since tested positive for COVID-19 and is seeking treatment in a hospital in Seremban, he added.
Mr Muhyddin said he would undergo self-quarantine at his residence for two weeks predicated on the Ministry of Health's advice.
"However, this won't affect government affairs. I'll continue to home based and have video demands meetings that contain to be chaired by me," said the prime minister.
The prime minister added that the Ministry of Health has conducted COVID-19 detection screening test on all attendees and the secretariat of the Saturday meeting.
He also said that as a precaution, he has been undergoing swab test every two weeks since April and all results were negative.
In a tweet on Tuesday, Dr Zulkifli said: “This period of time distributed by Allah SWT gives me the opportunity to reflect, and examine the areas for improvement for the future.”
“I am, from underneath of a really sincere heart, once again apologising for what happened.”
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