Muhyiddin: Most of the country are green zones, but Covid-19 remains the 'silent enemy'

PETALING JAYA: Since the movement control order (MCO) was implemented, almost all districts in the country have been designated as green zones, but the people should not be lulled into a false sense of security, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said these green zones were areas where there have not been any Covid-19 positive cases recorded in the past two weeks.

"From 1,178 districts, sections, zones, sub-zones and precincts in the country, 1,112 or 94.4% have been categorised as green zones; 62 or 5.2% have been categorised as yellow zones and only four or 0.34% are in red zones," he said in a speech that was broadcast live on Sunday (May 10).

Muhyiddin reminded those in the green zones not to believe they are safe and start moving around freely.

"You may think that you will not be infected because you are in a green zone. But let me remind you that this virus is an unseen, silent enemy. It can strike you at any time and anywhere," he said.

The red zone category is for areas with more than 40 Covid-19 positive cases; orange zone (20-40 cases); yellow zone (1-19 cases); and green zone (no case).

Muhyiddin said there were only four areas which are red zones.

He said these were Batu in Gombak, Selangor; Batu in Kuala Lumpur; Kampung Baharu in Kuala Lumpur and Pedas in Rembau, Negri Sembilan.

"To the residents in these places, my advice to you is to take extra precautions when leaving the house. Practice social distancing, wear a face mask and always wash hands. If it is possible, also reduce outdoor activities.

"To those living outside these areas, my advice is to not visit these places for the time being. This is to prevent you from getting infected," he said.

During his speech, Muhyiddin also commended the country for ranking fourth in the world out of 105 countries in terms of people's satisfaction with the government's efforts in dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak.

He said this achievement was reported in a study done by a research agency based in Singapore.

Muhyiddin also reminded Malaysians that the interstate travel ban is still in force, noting that travelling back to hometowns for Hari Raya, Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival), and Hari Gawai is not allowed.

He called for Malaysians to remain patient, and said he was aware Malaysians were sad they could not go back to their hometowns to celebrate these festivals with their families.

"When the situation has improved, Malaysians then can go back to their hometowns to visit their parents or relatives," he said during his speech in a live broadcast on Sunday (May 10).

However, Muhyiddin said that travelling to visit families in the same state is allowed – with a maximum of 20 people allowed at any one time.

He reminded Malaysian, however, not to have big gatherings or open houses.

"Each family must abide by the Health Ministry's standard operating procedure (SOP) such as practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, and practice self hygiene such as using hand sanitisers throughout the festive season," he said.

Muhyiddin also said that the government would give some flexibility for couples and families living in separate states for work commitments to travel.

He said some husbands and wives had not seen their families for two months.

"To those that need to cross states in Sabah and Sarawak, I urged the state governments to allow some flexibility.

"Applications can be made through the Gerak Malaysia app or by applying to the nearest police station," he said.

During his speech, Muhyiddin also said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was refining its SOP for the Muslims in regards to congregational prayers in the mosque, including Friday prayers.

Muhyiddin said any announcement would only be made after the SOP had been finalised and presented to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

Muhyiddin added that the same would apply for other houses of worship for all faiths such as Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and others.