No total lockdown for now, just TEMCO, says Muhyiddin

 

The prime minister said Putrajaya will only be implementing TEMCO in areas with high number of cases.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin says there will be no lockdown implemented in Malaysia for now, despite the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Instead, he said Putrajaya will only be implementing targeted enhanced movement control order (TEMCO) in areas with high number of cases.

“If we implement (an MCO) again, it can lead to huge effects which we worry could lead to a collapse of our social and economic systems,” he said in a national address today.

“This way, economic and social activities in other areas will not be affected and may continue with strict SOPs and firm enforcement of the law.

“I believe that the preparedness of our health system will enable us to manage the spread of Covid-19 without requiring us to close off the economic sectors as done prior to this.”

Muhyiddin said Putrajaya would take into account the interests of the 15 million working-class Malaysians, adding that this was to maintain their livelihood and the nation’s economic stability.

He also addressed parents’ concern for their kids in school, saying the health ministry would monitor the situation in schools and would work with the education ministry to ensure preventive measures were taken.

“If necessary, any decision to close schools across the country will be made at the National Security Council’s (NSC) special meeting based on the health ministry’s advice.”

He also said the NSC would decide on any move to ban interstate travel again, giving his guarantee that the public would be given adequate notice to ensure that no one would be left stranded by such a move.

Muhyiddin said Putrajaya was also studying a proposal to tighten restrictions on events and gatherings involving large crowds, such as conferences and wedding dinners.

He said the health ministry would give its input on the matter first, including proposals for additional SOPs if necessary.

“What is needed at this time is for all of us to comply with the SOPs and instructions issued by the government.

“Frontliners from enforcement agencies will be mobilised to public places to ensure compliance. If there are any flouting the law, punishment will be meted out without distinguishing between rank or position.

“Remember, we have managed to flatten the Covid-19 infection curve before this. I confidently believe that we can flatten it again,” he said. - FMT