MCO status depends on severity of cases: Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR – The six states currently under the strict movement control order (MCO) can have their status “relaxed” to a more lenient restriction order if cases dwindle over the next couple of weeks.  

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said similarly, states under the conditional and recovery MCOs can have their status upgraded to a stricter version if there is a spike in infections. 

While he made no mention of it, this is the clearest indication by Ismail yet that the movement restrictions – of varying degrees – imposed nationwide may be extended beyond the January 26 deadline.  

At present, Penang, Selangor, Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan), Melaka, Johor, and Sabah have been put under an MCO. 

Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan are under the conditional MCO while Perlis and Sarawak are under the recovery MCO, which is the most lenient of the three.  

“For instance, the status can change from CMCO to MCO if cases continue to increase, and if they decline considerably, then they will be downgraded to RMCO. It depends on each respective state.  

“This is why in the next two weeks, we are hoping that there are changes in the number of infections in all the states. If everybody abides by the SOPs, and if there is a decline in cases, we can do a review,” he said in a press conference here today. 

Ismail also warned that while the police are more lenient in the first few days of the MCO, no more compromises will be given beginning Saturday for those who violate any government SOPs. 

No go for public parks in MCO states 

On the use of public parks in states under the MCO for recreational purposes, Ismail said this is still prohibited, to avoid the spread of infection. 

He noted that there have been reports of overcrowding in certain parks, despite the MCO having come into force yesterday. 

“I would like to stress once again, public parks are off limits in MCO areas. No activities are allowed there, be it for recreation or sports. 

“I hope there won’t be anyone breaching this order and enforcement action will be taken,” he warned. 

Laundromats can now operate, but…  

Following high requests from the public, Ismail said self-service laundries will now be allowed to operate, provided the operator station a staff to man the premises during the permitted operating hours from 8am to 8pm. 

This includes for temperature-taking, ensuring hand sanitisers are used, and to make sure safe social distancing is practised. – The Vibes, January 14, 2021