JB is Now Under MCO Until 20 May as COVID-19 Cases in M’sia Continue to Soar

There’s a certain cycle that’s been repeating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

It goes something like this: infections surge, countries impose lockdowns and people panic, the virus chills out a little, the lockdowns are lifted and people start making travel plans, then the virus comes back with a vengeance, and the lockdowns are reimposed and people start panicking again.

I call it the Circle of Strife.

Singapore recently entered the panic zone within the Circle of Strife, but now, our friends across the border have joined us.

JB is Now Under MCO Until 20 May as COVID-19 Cases in M’sia Continue to Soar

Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru will be placed under another movement control order (MCO) from 7 May to 20 May, as COVID-19 infections in both places continue to soar.

The announcement was made yesterday (5 May), just a day after the Malaysian authorities said that six districts in Selangor would be under MCO from 6 May to 17 May.

According to Malaysian Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 17 new clusters in Kuala Lumpur were reported from 1 to 27 Apr, with the number of daily cases still on the rise.

“After evaluating the health ministry’s presentation and suggestions, the government has agreed to enforce MCO in the whole of Kuala Lumpur from May 7 to May 20,” he said.

Districts Johor Bahru, Kulai, and Kota Tinggi also have a high number of active cases, as well as sporadic infections in the community.

Besides these, three other districts with cases exceeding 150 will be placed under the MCO during the same period.

14 sub-districts in Besut, Terengganu, as well as the sub-district of Taiping in Perak, will also be placed under MCO.

What Does MCO 3.0 Entail?

Under this MCO, residents are only allowed to move about to purchase daily necessities, seek medical services, and for official government work, according to HCAMag.

Social events such as weddings, reunions, and retreats are prohibited, and travel across districts and borders are not allowed without permission from the police.

Sports and recreational activities can only be carried out for exercise and health, and not for entertainment purposes.

All schools under the MCO in the affected areas will also close from 6 May.

Visiting during Hari Raya Aidilfitri will only be allowed on the first day (13 May) in areas under the MCO, with a cap of 15 people at any one time, depending on the size of the house.

In areas under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) and recovery movement control order (RMCO), visiting will be allowed be for the first three days with a cap of 20 people and 25 people respectively.

Places under the enhanced MCO (EMCO), including some areas in Sarawak, will not permit any visits.

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