ANTHONY Loke wants to know if the movement restrictions to combat Covid-19 announced by the government yesterday includes crubs on domestic travel.

The former transport minister said the order yesterday did not state if Malaysians could travel within the country, just that they could not leave the country.

He noted that order had put a halt to movement to Singapore and affected those who commuted daily to the city state for work.

“There are close to 300,000 Malaysians who travel to Singapore each day to work. Does this mean they cannot work in Singapore anymore during this period as the borders will be closed at midnight?” he asked during a video press conference today with two other former ministers.

“Similarly, this will also affect Malaysians who trade at the Thai border,” said Loke.

The video press conference, which was held behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 outbreak, also featured former domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and former federal territory minster Khalid Samad. 

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

The Seremban MP said the movement restriction order did not state whether it is applicable to domestic travel.

The DAP organising secretary asked what the government was going to do for local airlines to ensure they are still viable during the restriction period.

“Will international flights be stopped and is the government going to compensate them? There are also implications about the landing slots if we stop the flights now,” said Loke.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the restriction movement order last night beginning March 18 to 31. 

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

The speech that was televised last night led to some confusion over how far the restrictions went and questions have been sent to the National Security Council. 

https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/229107

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

Since the outbreak began, Malaysia has reported 553 cases, 511 of which are being treated in hospital while 42 have recovered and been discharged.

This is the first nationwide restriction on movements in Malaysia since Emergency Orders in 1969. – March 17, 2020.