PUTRAJAYA: The outcome of measures taken to flatten the Covid-19 curve will be among the deciding factors on whether the movement control order (MCO) needs to be extended, says the Prime Minister.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the National Security Council (NSC) would meet next week to decide if the 14-day MCO was sufficient or if it should be extended past March 31.
He said the authorities needed to gauge the situation and developments that took place during the MCO before any decision was made.
“The council will determine if the order is sufficient or if it needs to be extended for another week or two.
“We want to see if measures put in place by the Health Ministry and other agencies, including cooperation from those who attended the tabligh gathering but have yet to be screened, are alright.
“If the numbers and data that we see reflect a better outcome, we will monitor (before deciding on the MCO),” he said at a press conference after chairing the Economic Action Council (EAC) meeting here yesterday.
Muhyiddin said reports from the police and armed forces personnel on the ground showed that there were improvements in the compliance of the MCO, with close to 90% complying.
“But we are hoping for 100% compliance. The lesser movement of people, the better,” he added.
From Sunday, the armed forces joined the police to enforce the MCO, which started on March 18.
The Prime Minister also said foreign workers who were unwell must come forward to get tested for Covid-19, stressing that this was not only important for their health but also for that of the rest.
“I hope employers can advise their foreign workers to get tested if they suspect that they have been infected. Employers must also issue strict reminders to their workers not to leave their homes unless they need to get essential items,” he said.
He said there was a cost for foreigners to be tested for Covid-19, pointing out there were also costs to test Malaysians, part of which was borne by the government.
“But what is important is for them to determine if they are infected by Covid-19. If they are, they need to get treatment because if untreated it will endanger their lives and those of others,” he added.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the National Security Council (NSC) would meet next week to decide if the 14-day MCO was sufficient or if it should be extended past March 31.
He said the authorities needed to gauge the situation and developments that took place during the MCO before any decision was made.
“The council will determine if the order is sufficient or if it needs to be extended for another week or two.
“We want to see if measures put in place by the Health Ministry and other agencies, including cooperation from those who attended the tabligh gathering but have yet to be screened, are alright.
“If the numbers and data that we see reflect a better outcome, we will monitor (before deciding on the MCO),” he said at a press conference after chairing the Economic Action Council (EAC) meeting here yesterday.
Muhyiddin said reports from the police and armed forces personnel on the ground showed that there were improvements in the compliance of the MCO, with close to 90% complying.
“But we are hoping for 100% compliance. The lesser movement of people, the better,” he added.
From Sunday, the armed forces joined the police to enforce the MCO, which started on March 18.
The Prime Minister also said foreign workers who were unwell must come forward to get tested for Covid-19, stressing that this was not only important for their health but also for that of the rest.
“I hope employers can advise their foreign workers to get tested if they suspect that they have been infected. Employers must also issue strict reminders to their workers not to leave their homes unless they need to get essential items,” he said.
He said there was a cost for foreigners to be tested for Covid-19, pointing out there were also costs to test Malaysians, part of which was borne by the government.
“But what is important is for them to determine if they are infected by Covid-19. If they are, they need to get treatment because if untreated it will endanger their lives and those of others,” he added.
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