THE movement-control order (MCO) is extended a further two weeks, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

“The MCO measures must continue until a time we are completely confident that we have stopped the coronavirus.

“Therefore, the MCO that is due to end on April 28 will be extended by another two weeks,” he said in a special live telecast tonight.

He added that the government will continue to evaluate the latest Health Ministry data when deciding further action.

This includes the easing of restrictions, and coming up with short- and long-term economic recovery plans.

“We are not discounting the fact that the MCO could be extended again.

“This may mean that people won’t be able to celebrate Hari Raya in their hometowns as usual,” said Muhyiddin, urging Muslims, who begin fasting tomorrow, to be patient and view the sacrifices made as their “jihad”.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on May 24 and 25.

Malaysians have spent 37 days under a partial lockdown, with the MCO, which came into force on March 18, extended every two weeks.

Muhyiddin said the decline in Malaysia’s Covid-19 figures is encouraging, but the Health Ministry’s advice showed that precautions are still necessary.

“However, if there continues to be a significant decline in cases, the government will gradually loosen up the MCO in several sectors, including the social sector.

“This is to enable Malaysians to live a more comfortable life. The National Security Council is devising a comprehensive plan on this.”

Earlier today, Director-General of Health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said he met Muhyiddin this morning to discuss the six criteria for lifting the MCO.

Dr Noor Hisham has been advocating a “soft landing” approach to a “new normal”, where social distancing and frequent hand-washing are observed, and mass gatherings barred.

Malaysia today recorded 71 new coronavirus cases and two deaths. This puts the total number of infections at 5,603 and fatalities at 95.

Recoveries have exceeded new cases in recent days, with 3,542 patients having been discharged as of today. – April 23, 2020.