Thanks to the decline in COVID-19 positive cases, Malaysia has now entered the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) phase, which is expected to last from June 10th to August 31st 2020. We take a look at what this means.
In an announcement by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, the premier mentioned that due to the decline in daily positive COVID-19 cases, Malaysia can now enter the Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Pemulihan (PKPP) phase, or the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). You can now rejoice, as there will be a lot fewer restrictions in this new phase.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. (File photo: Bernama)
A writer named Tho Xin Yi wrote in channelnewsasia’s site on 7th June 2020,
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s movement control order (MCO) will enter a “recovery phase” beginning next Wednesday (Jun 10) until Aug 31, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said.
The MCO, first imposed on Mar 18 to control the spread of COVID-19, was previously extended four times until Jun 9.
In a televised address on Sunday, Mr Muhyiddin said the recovery phase is part of the country’s exit strategy from the MCO, following a downward trend in the infection rate.
“Malaysia has successfully contained the spread of the pandemic and will now enter the recovery phase,” he said.
Under the recovery MCO, “almost all” social, educational, religious and business activities, as well as economic sectors will reopen in phases, with standard operating procedures to be adhered to, Mr Muhyiddin said.
Interstate travel will be allowed, except for areas placed under enhanced MCO, while the country’s borders will remain closed, the prime minister said.
As of Saturday, Malaysia reported a total of 8,303 COVID-19 cases and 117 deaths. Close to 80 per cent of the patients have recovered.
The MCO was initially enforced when the number of daily new cases saw an alarming three-figure spike. Under the MCO, domestic and international travel was barred, and people were encouraged to stay at home to break the infection chain.
Permitted businesses
During the RMCO, the majority of social, education, religious and business activities are allowed to reopen in stages with adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOP). Hair and beauty salons, open markets, food courts, food trucks and food stalls will be allowed to operate as normal as well.
Filming, indoor busking, museum visits, self-service dobi, recreational fishing and photography will also be permitted during this time.
Besides that, the government allows Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations and Qurban activities to take place but organisers are obligated to enforce and follow strict SOPs.
Although many operations are allowed to operate again during the RMCO, there are some activities that are still prohibited such as large gatherings, reflexology centres, karaoke centres, theme parks, pubs, clubs and nightclubs.
Interstate travel allowed
The government is lifting restrictions on interstate travel and domestic tourism activities will be allowed to resume during the RMCO except for areas that are placed under the Enhanced Movement Control order (EMCO). International travel is still not permitted as our borders are still closed. This means that families will be able to travel domestically but must practice the new normal way of life.
Sports and recreational activities
There are a number of sports and recreational activities that will be allowed during RMCO. Activities such as bowling, archery, and badminton are permissible so is group outdoor activities like cycling and motorcycle convoys are acceptable. However close contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, wrestling, and rugby are still prohibited as well as activities that involve a large gathering of spectators such as at the stadium and swimming pool. Gyms, sports complexes, and badminton halls will be able to resume operations starting 15 June 2020.
Public schools to reopen
The Ministry of Education has announced that public schools in Malaysia will reopen starting from Wednesday, 24th June 2020. However, it is limited to students that are taking public exams this year.
According to Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, students who are taking Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) are allowed to resume classes. International students who are undergoing equivalent exams are also permitted to resume classes. For the remaining classes, it will be reopened in stages and will be announced at a later time.
Quarantine and MySejahtera app
Malaysians returning from overseas do not have to be quarantined at designated quarantine centres, instead they will have to do a swab test upon landing and those who are tested positive will be sent to the hospital and the ones tested negative are required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days.
On top of that, they are required to download the MySejahtera application and wear the quarantine wristbands for identification purposes. Their movements will be monitored through the application.
The MySejahtera app can also be used to assess your health and well-being. Moreover, the app also helps health authorities to take quick and efficient action to inform close contacts if there is an infection.
Normalisation phase
The Prime Minister reminded everyone to wear a face mask, ensure social distancing and frequently wash their hands with soap or use hand sanitisers. If everyone remains cautious and disciplined, this will help to contain the spread of the virus and hopefully Malaysia will enter the normalisation phase after 31st August 2020.
For the latest information, please visit the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Health.