[PHOTOS] Lockdown fatigue? Public more easy-going this MCO

KUALA LUMPUR – When the movement control order (MCO) was first enforced on March 18 last year for a period of two months, Malaysia was able to get its Covid-19 cases under control.

During the lockdown, most businesses were ordered closed, and the roads were devoid of vehicles. Many workers were laid off, and numerous traders went bankrupt.

Nevertheless, the nation’s coronavirus tally was greatly lowered, hovering in the single digits.

But, the Sabah election last September changed everything.

The country yesterday registered 4,029 infections – the first time it has breached the 4,000 mark – and eight fatalities.

The MCO was reimplemented on January 13 in some states, and this time around, the movement curbs appear more “rakyat-friendly”.

And, the Agong has consented to a state of emergency to contain the virus.

Checks by The Vibes Visuals Team found that Malaysians are no longer panic-buying, and have no qualms about visiting shopping malls and other places.

The roads in Puchong, meanwhile, were congested on Friday.

Worryingly, some people have done away with masks when out in public.

Of note is that jewellery and gold shops are seeing a steady stream of customers. – The Vibes, January 17, 2021

Photos captured by ALIF OMAR, SYEDA IMRAN and AZIM RAHMAN