Keep social distance if you don't want places like zoos to close - minister

CORONAVIRUS | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob stressed today that the public should maintain social distancing in public places, despite the relaxed enforcement by the government.

Commenting on social media pictures of people crowding together at the National Zoo, Ismail (photo) said if there is an outbreak of Covid-19, the place where the infection occurred could be closed.

"The freedom that has been granted doesn't mean the public is free to do whatever they want.

"If there is a Covid-19 case at a zoo for example, maybe the zoo would be closed," he said.

As such, he said Malaysians must safeguard the freedoms they have now to ensure that it is not taken away from them.

The government has relaxed restrictions on going out under the recovery movement control order (MCO), with the requirement that social distancing guidelines be observed.

However, photos of people crowding together at the National Zoo had gone viral yesterday.

Ismail said police will be sending officers to the zoo to ensure social distancing.

Meanwhile, Ismail said police will not be doing house spot checks like during the first two weeks of Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

He reiterated that it is up to the people to practise proper social distancing. - Mkini