PEOPLE are advised not to crowd banks and to practice social distancing when collecting salaries that are due to be paid this week.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said police and military personnel will be deployed to ensure social distancing at banks if necessary.

“In the next few days, the government and employers may pay the salaries. Therefore, we expect congestion at banks as well as the automated teller machines (ATMs).

“So we urge you not to rush into a bank or crowd at the ATMs,” Ismail said at a press conference which was telecast live on Facebook.

He said bank security guards will also ensure that social distancing and public order are maintained.

Ismail Sabri said banks should limit the number of people in a branch at time to ensure social distancing. 

“Those who want to withdraw money and so on, just follow the instructions,” he said. 

The government imposed an MCO until March 31, to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

Under the order, people are prohibited from being outdoors, with many non-essential services and offices ordered shut.

Yesterday, Malaysia reported 212 new infections, bringing the total to 1,518. Of the new cases, 123 were from the tabligh cluster.

To date, Covid-19 has killed 15 people in Malaysia. – March 24, 2020.