PM appeals to Malaysians to stay put at home

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has appealed to Malaysians to stay at home during the two-week movement control order (MCO).

In a live address yesterday, the Prime Minister said he had to address this matter as many Malaysians had rushed to “balik kampung”, causing massive congestion throughout the country.

“During this two-week period, all of you and your children should stay at home. Just stay at home. Spend some time with your children, wife and family.

“You do not have to go anywhere. By doing this, you can avoid the spread of the Covid-19 and InsyaAllah it will be curbed.

“This is the real reason the government implemented the MCO,” he said.

Muhyiddin added that the MCO was not intended for the people to go back to their hometowns, attend weddings, shop at supermarkets, walk at parks or go on a holiday at tourist spots.

“No. The reason is for all of you to stay at home and protect your family,” he said.

“I appeal to all of you. Please, stay put where you are. Those in Kuala Lumpur, stay in Kuala Lumpur. Those in Johor Baru should stay put in Johor Baru.

“Those in Penang, please stay in Penang. Those who made plans to go back to your kampung, please cancel it.

“It is just for two weeks,” added Muhyiddin.

He said the MCO was introduced for a period of two weeks to break the chain of infection.

“This is because Covid-19 has an incubation period of two weeks. There are cases where the symptoms only arise after that.

“The government hopes that after the two-week period, those with symptoms can be quarantined and given treatment, making the country free of Covid-19,” he said.

He also warned that if the measure intended to curb the spread of Covid-19 does not succeed, the MCO could be extended beyond March 31.