The hard route: Malaysians say full lockdown not desired solution, but necessary one

PETALING JAYA: News of the announcement of the nationwide full lockdown from June 1-14 has drawn a strong response in social media.

Jennifer Chung said that the implementation of the lockdown was "way overdue".

"I hope this is a REAL lockdown this time," she said when commenting on The Star's Facebook page on Saturday (May 29).

Facebook user Eityng Theng hoped enforcement would be more stringent and not "another version of MCO 2.0 or MCO 3.0".

On Instagram, user Mzaimm said that the full lockdown would be "very painful for many", but it was the best approach to prevent the pandemic situation from further spiralling out of control.

Another user, @singhguruguru, said: "Lockdown anything you like, but vaccination boost up pls," he said.

Questions were also asked which government services would be open during the lockdown.

"The Immigration Department will work or not," asked Facebook user Ghulam Mujtaba Hashmi.

Meanwhile, Eroline Ooi expressed support for frontliners in a comment on Facebook.

"Unfortunately, the medical frontliners will be going thru tough time while we are in the comfort of our homes, not forgetting the PDRM manning stations in the rain and sun. God bless them all," she said.

Facebook user @Nor-ain said the government must not neglect the plight of the poor during the lockdown and provide aid.

"(They are) already drained of all resources," she said

The special National Security Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Friday (May 28) that a two-week full lockdown would be in effect from June 1-14.

Except for essential economic and service sectors, all other sectors will not be allowed to operate during this period.

A statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the decision was made following the sharp increase of Covid-19 cases on Friday (May 28), which saw 8,290 new cases and over 70,000 active cases in total.