THE government has imposed a total lockdown in two areas in Simpang Renggam, Johor, over a high number of Covid-19 cases.

The lockdown – officially called an enhanced movement control order – in Kg Dato’ Ibrahim Majid and Bandar Baharu Dato’ Ibrahim Majid near Kluang, which have seen 61 cases – will affect 3,570 residents from 650 families.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this stricter order is effective from midnight today to April 9.

The villagers will be provided adequate food to last them 14 days by the Welfare Department, said the defence minister.

Under the order, all residents and visitors already there are prohibited to leave their homes at all times.

“Non-residents and other visitors are not allowed to enter the two areas during this period,” said Ismail Sabri.

All business activities have also been ordered closed, along with main routes into the areas.

He said the Health Ministry has confirmed of 83 positive Covid-19 cases in the Kluang district, with 61 from the two Simpang Renggam areas.

He also said that the enhanced movement control order, based on advice from the health minister, was to curb the virus from spreading farther in the district.

The government will also set up a medical base in the affected area while enforcement personnel will be stationed there, said Ismail Sabri.

Affected residents have been told to stay calm and cooperate with the authorities and health officers.

Residents in need of aid or have queries can contact 07-7735224/07-7722434.

Malaysia today hit a new high of 235 new cases, bringing the total to 2,031, including 23 deaths.

The youngest person infected with Covid-19 is a 12-day-old infant, while the oldest is an 83-year-old man.

Sixty of the new Covid-19 cases were linked to the tabligh cluster.

Putrajaya announced a movement control order on March 18, which will be in place until April 14, in an attempt to cut the chain of transmission of the virus. – March 26, 2020.