On 28th May 2021, the Malaysian Government issued an official statement declaring nationwide lockdown for 14 days from 1st June amid the surge of Covid cases in the country. Muhyiddin announced the implementation of the FMCO ('full lockdown') in all social and economic areas. He also mentioned making an exception for certain essential services and sectors listed by the national security council to operate within the country.
The decision was an effective measure to combat the stern spike in Covid cases in the country. Malaysia, in recent weeks, recorded a drastic upward rise in 8,000 cases daily and 70,000 active Covid cases pushing the healthcare services to its threshold. The Government of Malaysia has requested people to stay safe at home and adhere to the SOP guidelines mentioned.
The Government declared a "total lockdown" amid the Covid 19 surge in the country for two weeks from 1st to 14th June.
However, 17 essential services (including F&B, health and medical sectors, vets and animal clinics, water, energy, security, communications, post and courier services, banking, insurance, agriculture, fishing, and few others) to stay active from 8 am to 8 pm. Here's everything you need to know about what's allowed and what isn't:
• Limited sectors in manufacturing are permitted to work with a limitation of 60% of workers.
• Shopping malls remain shut except for essential services such as supermarkets, restaurants, and medical and optical stores to stay open.
• Malaysian Citizens are requested to stay indoors after 8 pm.
• Only two people per household are allowed to shop for daily necessities like food and groceries.
• Interstate and Interdistrict travel remain banned, while travel is limited to a 10km radius except for emergency services (three people per vehicle in emergencies).
• Passenger vehicles are limited to two people at once (including the driver).
• A complete ban on all sports and recreational activities except jogging and exercises without contact (till 8 pm).
• All schools and educational institutes remain closed throughout the MCO period.
• A strict ban on face-to-face meetings, seminars, training, exhibition, talks, and conferences.
• Strict prohibition on social events like marriages, Akad nikah, reunions, birthdays, receptions.
• All tourism activities and attractions shall remain closed.
• Only delivery and takeaway allowed for all F&B outlets.
• Malaysian Citizens who need to cross district lines to head for their vaccination appointments need not require a permission letter from the police and can flash their proof of consultation on the MySejahtera app, website, or SMS if stopped by authorities.
While the nation struggles to deal with the spike in Covid Cases, during the phase 1 FMCO, the Government of Malaysia has decided to shut down all:
• Pubs and Night Clubs
• Night Markets, Pasar Tani
• Spas, Wellness and Beauty Centres
• Barbers and Hair Saloons
• Car Wash
• Cinemas
• Retail Outlets (clothing, bookstores, accessories, toys, sports equipment, florists, furniture, and more).
The PM of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin, clearly mentioned that if Malaysia can successfully limit the number of Covid cases in these two weeks, the Government can ease the restrictions slowly over time. Till then, all we can do is stay home, stay safe and pray that we all get past this together.