Condominium in KL under lockdown after 17 Covid-19 cases

CORONAVIRUS | Menara City One in Kuala Lumpur has been placed under a lockdown after recording 17 Covid-19 cases.

This is the third enhanced movement control order (Emco) announced by the government.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also the coordinating senior minister for security matters, said this would involve 3,200 residents in 502 residential units and 49 shops at the condominium.

"The purpose of the Emco is to prevent Covid-19 from spreading out of the area," he added in a statement.

He said the Emco will take effect at midnight until April 13.

This is the first time an Emco is applied to a specific building. It is also the first such order in an urban area.

The previous two Emco were applied on two villages in Simpang Renggam, Kluang on March 27 and seven villages in Hulu Langat yesterday after a spike in Covid-19 cases there.

However, this third Emco differs slightly from the earlier ones where businesses selling essential goods at the complex will be allowed to remain open.

Residents will also be allowed to order food online which will be delivered to the lobby.

The order also does not state that residents are confined to their units but instead say they may not leave the complex.

The previous Emco required all shops to be closed and food was delivered by the Social Welfare Department as residents are not allowed to leave their homes.

Ismail said a medical base will be set up at the condominium and Covid-19 screening will be conducted unit-to-unit.

He said the complex will be guarded by police, army, civil defence force and Rela personnel.

"All residents are asked to remain calm, give their full cooperation to Health Ministry officials and obey instructions by the authorities," he said.

The condominium was built in 1997. A substantial number of residents are foreigners.

For other parts of Malaysia, the regular MCO applies.

Under the regular MCO, only non-essential businesses and services have to close.

People are required to stay home but are allowed to make short trips to replenish food supply or seek medication.

As of noon today, Malaysia recorded 2,626 Covid-19 cases and 37 deaths. - Mkini