ENFORCING the conditional movement-control order (CMCO) in all but three states in the country is a “pre-emptive measure” by Putrajaya to contain the Covid-19 pandemic before it gets out of hand, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Responding to criticisms on the drastic move, the senior minister said the measure was taken to safeguard lives as well as to prevent green and yellow zones from turning into virus hotspots. 

“Our intention was to protect communities free of Covid-19 infections. This is a pre-emptive measure. It is an early measure taken to prevent the virus from spreading,” he said during a press conference today. 

The defence minister said authorities had in the past waited until an area turned into a red zone before enforcing movement curbs. 

“We don’t want to do it by way of firefighting, where we have to put out (the spread of infections) when there is a case,” he said.

He said decisions are taken based on advice from the Health Ministry, which carries out the necessary risk analysis.

Besides just compiling data on the cases, the ministry also conducts research on the infectivity rate of the virus, he said.

Various quarters have questioned the rationale for the CMCO as it could have a devastating impact on the economy.

The Academy of Medicine Malaysia urged Putrajaya to lift the partial lockdown and look for an alternative way to break the infection chain in the country.

It also called for an explanation on the rationale behind the move despite the improving R-naught or infectivity value. – November 11, 2020.