Muhyiddin pleads with Malaysians to stay home, warns control order could be extended

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in a live address tonight, spent the most part of his speech trying to convince Malaysians to stay home during the two-week movement control order which came into force today.

"I say this because many people returned to their hometowns last night. I saw highways congested with vehicles heading north, south and east. Bus stations were also packed with people wanting to return to their hometowns.

"I would like to appeal to you, please, stay put where you are," he said.

Muhyiddin also explained at length the purpose of the movement control order which he first announced on Monday night.

He warned that if the measure, intended to curb the spread of Covid-19, fails, the movement control order could be extended beyond March 31.

"If you have plans to return to your hometown, cancel them. I ask for your help for just the two weeks.

"Why? Because we want to break the chain of infection so that the people infected with Covid-19 can be reduced.

"The government hopes that after two weeks, those with symptoms can be isolated for treatment and Malaysia can be free from Covid-19," he said, noting that the incubation period for Covid-19 is normally around two weeks.

"If we do not succeed during this time, the government may be forced to extend the control order," he added.

As such, Muhyiddin said it was of utmost importance for everyone to ensure that they and their families are not exposed to the virus by staying home.

Throughout his speech, Muhyiddin told Malaysian to stay home at least five times.

He pointed out that the government is not happy with the number of Covid-19 cases that has increased to 790 today.

He said the movement control order, which saw all non-essential businesses and services closed, was ordered because Malaysians do not need to be in crowded places such as on trains, buses, canteen, eateries and schools that could expose them to Covid-19.

"The purpose is not for you to return to your hometowns, to attend kenduris, to shop at supermarkets, take a stroll in parks or go on a holiday. No.

"The intention is for you to stay home. Stay at home and protect yourself and your family," he said.

He added that people who need to leave their homes to go to the market should take the utmost precaution.

For food, he said they can still do takeouts but it would be better if they stuck with food delivery services.

"Do not use these two weeks to loiter at mamak stalls. Don't. This will increase the risk of infection.

"Avoid hanging out with friends at restaurants, kopitiams, entertainment centres or any place where you could be exposed to Covid-19," he said.

Muhyiddin said while the little things ask of Malaysians during the Covid-19 outbreak may seem small, but they will make a big difference in the fight against the virus.

"As prime minister, I have a major responsibility in handling this crisis plaguing our country. But I cannot do this duty alone. I need the support of everyone.

"I need the support of doctors, nurses, police, public servants, private-sector workers, university students and you, in order to contain the Covid-19 from spreading in our country.

"God-willing, with your support, solidarity and patience, I pray that we will succeed in overcoming this crisis," he said. - Mkini