Ismail Sabri: PM will announce Malaysia's next steps, possibility of MCO on Monday (Jan 11)

PETALING JAYA: The Prime Minister will announce the country's next measures to be taken to curb the steep rise in Covid-19 infections, including the possibility of a movement control order (MCO), on Monday (Jan 11), says Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"The government is always monitoring the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic and will discuss the best measures to stop its spread.

"A special meeting of the National Security Council is reviewing and assessing all the measures to be taken immediately to control the spread of Covid-19.

"This includes considering imposing tighter standard operating procedures, including in the social sector, to reduce movement and risk of Covid-19.

"An announcement will be made by the Prime Minister soon to announce the action that will be taken," he said in a press conference on Friday (Jan 8).

He also said he was aware of viral messages speculating he would be announcing enhanced standard operating procedures (SOP) on Friday.

"The government always hears the grouses of the rakyat and we will take the necessary action," he said.

On the Health Ministry saying that daily Covid-19 cases could reach 8,000, Ismail Sabri said this would only happen if no action is taken.

"As I said, we have discussed the measures to be taken.

Ismail Sabri said a technical meeting would also be held on Monday morning to scrutinise everything discussed.

"I stress again that the Prime Minister will make the announcement on Monday," he added.