DR Mahathir Mohamad today advised Malaysians to be prudent in their spending while the movement-control order (MCO) is in force.

The former prime minister said it is important for them to spend only on what they really need, as money will be crucial in this period.

“Our income will probably be reduced (during the MCO). So, our expenses also need to be reduced.

“There are things that are not really important, which we can postpone or ignore. We need to focus only on the important things, like food,” he said in a live Instagram interview with celebrity entrepreneur Neelofa.

Dr Mahathir said people must stay disciplined to ensure that the restriction order achieves its aim of curbing the spread of Covid-19, which has already infected 1,796 people in Malaysia and killed 21.

Malaysians should be thankful that the government has only restricted their movement instead of imposing a total lockdown, he said.

“We must discipline ourselves… if we follow our desires, we will end up doing things that do not benefit us.

“If we can be disciplined, control our will and our feelings, we will be able to accept the MCO. It may take a long time. But things will eventually come to an end.

“Take Italy, for example, where 60 million people are under a nationwide lockdown. Now India, with its 1.3 billion people, has also announced a lockdown.

“Here, we only have restricted movement. One can still go out when there is important work, and we have to be thankful for that.”

In a message to the nation’s frontliners, Dr Mahathir thanked them for their tireless work to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Although they risk being exposed to the disease, he said, they continue to serve the nation and keep the public safe.

“Our frontline workers are dedicated. They face the danger of infection, but they are still willing to carry out their duty to keep us safe.”

Asked by Neelofa for his advice to those not heeding the MCO, the statesman urged everyone to follow the rules and stay home.

Quarantine is one way to avoid infection, he said, adding that people must also be hygienic and healthy while the government directive is in force.

Dr Mahathir said he exercises every day to stay fit.

“Follow the rules. This rule is good for you. If you do not follow the rules, you might become the victim.

“If you’ve already been in contact with someone who is infected, you’ll bring it to your family and others in your house. They’ll face the consequences of your actions.

“Be careful, follow the rules, so that we can save ourselves, our families and our country.

“Quarantine is one way (to avoid infection), and there are other ways, too. One needs to maintain good personal hygiene, wash their hands, take showers. Also, one needs to stay active at home. We need to exercise.

“I have a (stationary) bicycle and treadmill that I use to work out every day. I exercise a bit to keep my muscles fit.”

Dr Mahathir subjected himself to a 14-day quarantine after coming into contact with a Covid-19 patient. However, he has tested negative.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the MCO, which came into effect on March 18, will be extended by another two weeks to April 14. – March 26, 2020.