MALAYSIA imposed a national lockdown from Wednesday, as cases trended above 3,000 and 4,000 for a few weeks, less than a month after Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin promised no more nationwide restrictions.

In a statement today, the prime minister said the restrictions against inter-district and interstate traveling and social activities, sports and education are effective from May 10 till June 6. 

“Other restrictions will commence on May 12 till June 7,” said Muhyiddin. 

He said the decision was made at today’s National Security Council meeting.

This comes after Muhyiddin had promised no more blanket lockdowns for the country on March 17.

But in the statement, the Perikatan Nasional chief said the government had to take drastic steps to stop the rise in new Covid-19 infections. 

“With more than 4,000 new cases each day, and 37,396 active cases with 1,700 deaths as of today, Malaysia is facing a third wave that could trigger a national crisis. 

“The emergence of new variants that are more infectious, coupled with the strain on the public healthcare system, the government has to take drastic steps to avoid an even bigger catastrophe,” said the Bersatu president. 

He said that the data and science state social gatherings make it difficult to practise social distancing and is the main cause for the rise in cases. 

Muhyiddin said the government would use the Hotspots Identification for Dynamic Engagement system to monitor for Covid-19 hotspots. 

“All economic sectors will be allowed to operate as usual,” said the prime minister. 

The MCO 3.0 restrictions are as follows:

• All inter-district and interstate travel will be barred except in cases of emergency, health, work, economy, vaccination and long-distance relationships.
• All social gatherings including wedding receptions, dinners, conferences and face-to-face meetings are prohibited. Wedding registrations can be conducted with strict  standard operating procedure at the various National Registration Department offices or religious authorities. 
• All sporting and recreational activities are barred unless it’s by individuals in open spaces such as jogging, cycling and exercising. 
• All educational institutions will be closed. Exception is for those facing international examinations. Nurseries and daycare centres can operate based on SOP. 
• The total number of passengers per vehicle, whether private, taxis or e-hailing, will be limited to three, including the driver. 
• There will be no dine-ins at restaurants. Sales of food items will be through drive-through or takeaways. 
• Employers must carry out the work-from-home arrangement with no more than 30% of management employees allowed at any one time. 
• House-to-house visits and visitations to the graves will be prohibited during the Hari Raya holidays. 
• Aidilfitri prayer at mosques or surau will be allowed, limited to 50 for mosques that have 1,000 capacity and 20 for those with a capacity of below 1,000. 
• Non-Muslim houses of worship must refer to the SOP that will be provided by the National Unity Ministry. – May 10, 2021.