PUTRAJAYA needs to provide more clarity on the mechanisms of the movement-restriction order to ensure adequate food supplies and enforcement, said the opposition.

“Last night’s announcement is a welcome move and shows that the government is serious about tackling the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). But there needs to be clearer answers on how it is going to ensure adequate food supply,” said Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in a video press conference today.

The former domestic trade and consumer affairs minister said Malaysia imported RM51 billion worth of food last year.

“In this regard, it needs to provide clarity on whether imports can continue, etc,” said the PKR secretary-general.

The video press conference, held behind closed doors for the first time because of the Covid-19 outbreak, also featured former transport minister Anthony Loke and former federal territories minster Khalid Samad. 

Reporters watching the press conference then posted their questions in a Pakatan Harapan WhatsApp group, which were then curated by Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, before they were posed to the three former ministers.

Saifuddin said while the government has reassured that provision shops, supermarkets and wet markets would remain open, there is not enough information about eateries and restaurants.

Khalid said the bulk of eateries in Malaysia, for instance, are hawkers and small shops.

“Can they continue to function? And if not, is the government going to compensate them for this period of closure?” asked the Shah Alam MP.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the restriction-movement order last night, beginning tomorrow until March 31. 

During this time, all non-essential premises will be closed while Malaysians will be barred from leaving the country. 

The speech last night did not clarify many other matters. Questions have been sent to the National Security Council. 

Malaysia saw a surge in infections on Sunday and Monday, with 190 and 124 new cases respectively.

Since the outbreak began, Malaysia has reported 566 cases, in which 42 have recovered and been discharged.

This is the first lockdown in Malaysia since the Emergency Orders in 1969. – March 17, 2020.