When Malaysia implemented their Movement Controlled Order (MCO) on 18 March to curb the spread of the coronavirus, it was only supposed to last two weeks.
Since then, it has been extended so many times that some Malaysians gave up on leaving their houses and amused themselves by scaring their neighbours into staying indoors instead.
As scary as this ghost was, it was nothing compared to the prospect of an eternal lockdown.
But now, just like many countries around the world, Malaysia has finally decided to reopen its economy and ease Covid-19 restrictions.
Everything About M’sia Reopening That’s Announced Today (7 June), Which Come in ‘Phases’ Too
From MCO to CMCO, and from CMCO to RMCO.
Malaysia will enter a Recovery Phase Movement Control Order (RMCO) on 10 June, lifting coronavirus restrictions and opening up its economic sectors in phases.
According to The Straits Times, nearly all social, educational, religious, and economic activities will reopen with strict safe distancing measures in place.
The RMCO will run from 10 June to 31 August, nearly two months.
In a televised address on Sunday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin explained that the government has decided to reopen the country because of the sharp decrease in Covid-19 infections.
“Malaysia has successfully contained the spread of the pandemic and will now enter the recovery phase,” he said.
Other than a spike on 4 June with 277 cases, the country of 31 million has had no more than 93 cases in the past week.
So, what will be allowed during the recovery phase?
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Most Social, Religious, & Economic Activities to Reopen in Stages
According to Free Malaysia Today, while their borders will remain closed, interstate travel will now be allowed, except for areas under enhanced MCO.
Nearly all social and religious activities will also be allowed.
Malaysians will be allowed to engage in non-contact sports like bowling, badminton, archery, and shooting, as well as outdoor group sports like kayaking.
However, contact sports like rugby, football, wrestling, and boxing will continue to be banned, as well as competitive sports that involves large gatherings of supporters.
Additionally, hair salons and beauty parlours will be allowed to reopen from 10 June, while open-air markets and bazaars can resume operations from 15 June.
Museums and commercial fisheries will be also allowed to reopen, but pubs, night clubs, and other entertainment venues will remain closed.
As for education, the Prime Minister said that schools will be reopened in stages during the recovery phase.
“Cannot Control Your Lives Forever”
During his address to the nation, Muhyiddin acknowledged how difficult it was for Malaysians to live under the strict restrictions of the MCO for nearly three months.
“…I realise that the government cannot control your lives forever to curb the virus from spreading. I know you want life to go back to normal.”
“Now is the time for the government to give more leeway to you, on the condition that you take the responsibility seriously to practise the new norm and comply with all SOPs from the government”, he said.
“This means that the responsibility of ensuring the Covid-19 virus remains under control is in your hands.”
No Room for Complacency
The Prime Minister also warned that the authorities wouldn’t think twice about imposing the MCO all over again if coronavirus cases surge.
“…I want to remind everyone that if there is a surge in positive Covid-19 cases during this period, the government will not hesitate to impose the enhanced MCO in affected areas”.
Similar to Singapore’s phased approach to reopening, Malaysia will enter a “normalisation period” after 31 Aug when the RMCO ends, until a vaccine is found.
It’s certainly a good sign that both Singapore and Malaysia are opening up; hopefully we’ll be able to cross the border for some delicious food in the near future.
But, as Muhyiddin warned, we shouldn’t be too impatient to get back to normal life. If we rush things, we might just end up back where we were two months ago.
And no one wants that.
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