MALAYSIANS will not have full freedom to move about even after the movement control order (MCO) ends, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

“There will standard operating procedures in place to which they will have to adhere.

“For example, mass gatherings are not allowed.

“Any activity that involves a lot of people (together) at any one time is prohibited,” he said at the daily press conference on Covid-19 security issues in Putrajaya today.

Last week, Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said mass gatherings should not be held for at least the next six months, even after the MCO is over.

Ismail Sabri has also said previously that the government is discussing new standard operating procedures for business operations and social movements after the MCO ends.

Today he said no decision has been made on whether the order will be extended.

“As of now, we have not decided on anything. There will be an announcement if there are any updates.

“Any extension of the MCO will depend on the advice of the Health Ministry.”

Putrajaya has imposed the MCO since March 18 until April 14 to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

As of yesterday, the virus has so far infected 4,119 people and caused 65 deaths. – April 9, 2020.