PUTRAJAYA has extended the recovery movement-control order (RMCO) until December 31 to continue curbing the spread of Covid-19, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin said the government still needs a legal mechanism to combat the outbreak.

“I am aware that based on the global scale of the outbreak, we are going to go through a very long period before we can be totally free from this pandemic. At this moment, things are under control.

“However, if positive cases increase, the government may impose the enhanced MCO.

“For our own safety, the government has decided to extend the RMCO until December 31,” Muhyiddin said during an address to the nation tonight.

The RMCO was to end on Monday.

Under the current phase of movement curbs, which replaced the conditional MCO in June, almost all businesses and social activities are allowed to resume with health and safety standard operating procedures in place.

The RCMO was intended to restart the economy, which was shut down for eight weeks after the MCO took effect on March 18.

Schools, offices and businesses considered non-essential were closed, leading to a 17% decrease in Malaysia’s second-quarter gross domestic product. The shutdowns also resulted in the loss of more than 800,000 jobs.

Muhyiddin said all those found guilty of flouting movement controls will face action.

“With the RMCO extension, enforcement action can still be taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, or Act 342.

“This is to ensure that all parties adhere to health SOPs and protocols.”

He said he agrees with the Health Ministry’s suggestion to increase the compound for offenders.

“No one will escape punishment. And, I agree with the Health Ministry on increasing the compound by two or three times. However, we will first study this matter as Act 342 will need to be amended.”

He gave an assurance that people’s daily activities will not be affected, but stressed the importance of avoiding crowded places.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba had said the recommendation to extend the RMCO was based on World Health Organisation projections that the pandemic would last another two years.

The extension announced tonight means movement restrictions in Malaysia are in effect for nine months and 14 days. – August 28, 2020.