Covid-19: Malaysian Government enhances Movement Control Order

As mentioned in our earlier Alerts[1], the Government of Malaysia imposed a nationwide Movement Control Order (‘MCO’) in order to contain the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. The MCO was initially for the period from 18 to 31 March 2020 but has now been extended to 14 April 2020.
 
The MCO imposes various restrictions on the movement and activities of individuals and entities. However, essential services, such as healthcare and medical services, food supply and transportation were allowed to continue operations. Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced on 30 March 2020 that the following additional restrictions will be imposed during the second phase of the MCO, from 1 to 14 April 2020 –
 
  • The operating hours for eateries, supermarkets, premises selling essential items, petrol stations and food delivery services are restricted from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.;
  • The operating hours for taxis and e-hailing services are restricted from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.;
  • Commercial vehicles transporting essential items are encouraged to operate from 7.00 p.m. to 7.00 a.m.; and
  • Only one person, who is the driver, is allowed to travel in a private vehicle to purchase essential items.
The following restrictions imposed during the initial stage of the MCO will be maintained -
 
  • Eateries will continue to be restricted to takeaway services;
  • The operating hours for public transportation remain unchanged, from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.; and
  • All recreational and social activities are not allowed to be conducted, including activities conducted in public areas and gated communities. However, flexibility is given to those with autism and the disabled to be outside for therapy based on the advice of their doctors, but such activities are not allowed to be conducted in a large group.
 
Alert prepared by Tan Wei Liang (Associate) of Skrine.
 
 

[1] To access these Alerts, please click here, here and here.