No national lockdown but targeted enhanced MCO, says PM

PETALING JAYA: The government will not impose a total lockdown despite the latest surge in Covid-19 cases, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Prime Minister said if the government was to reintroduce a national lockdown, it would have a huge impact that could affect the social and economic system of the country.

"Instead, the government will implement targeted enhanced movement control order (MCO) at identified areas with high Covid-19 cases.

"With this, the economic and social activities at other areas which are unaffected can continue with adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs)," he said in his special address on Tuesday evening (Oct 6).

He also acknowledged concerns over the possible last-minute closure of schools and borders between states.

He, however, assured Malaysians that any decision made "by the National Security Council will be based on the advice of the Health Ministry".

"I give a guarantee that sufficient notice will be given before any decision is made so that no one is left stranded," he added.

Muhyiddin cited the announcement by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over the closure of borders in Sabah, which was effective Wednesday (Oct 7) to Oct 21.

The Prime Minister said he had personally decided to allow more time for the border closure to come into effect and change the enforcement date from Oct 12 to 25.

He warned Malaysians, irrespective of rank, to adhere to the Covid-19 preventative measures, failing which action would be taken against them.

"Don't blame me if I take out the rotan," he said.

Muhyiddin said enforcement agencies would make their rounds to ensure compliance with the SOPs.

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