The government has announced that phase two of the movement control order (MCO) – which will introduce stricter enforcement measures – will begin on April 1. This was announced by defence minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at a preearlier today.
He said that 828 individuals were arrested at roadblocks and during patrol rounds yesterday (Sunday), meaning that the police was taking sterner action than before against those who flout the MCO. Still, the aim is to get people being compliant with the order, which is in effect until April 14, and stay put where they are.
“Our target is not to increase arrests, our target is to reduce arrests. The more arrests there are everyday, it means that there are still a lot of people out there not complying with the order,” he explained.
He said that a total of 257,287 vehicles were checked at 1,520 roadblocks carried out yesterday, and added that the number of roadblocks is set to increase in phase two. These will include entry points into tolled roads across the country, which have already been increased from 23 at the early stages to 65 at present. The number of roadblocks at toll plaza entry points will continue to increase to 114 in phase two.
Ismail Sabri added that more than 67,000 police, army and Rela personnel were currently deployed for MCO operations, but more resources are available and capable of being introduced at any point if the situation demands it.
He said while phase two will be different than phase one of the MCO in terms of tighter measures, it will still allow for movement, and supermarkets – and restaurants for takeaways – will still be open as per normal, except with changes to operating hours. He reiterated once again that phase two is not a full lockdown.
Changes in phase two will include limiting the operating hours for all supermarkets, restaurants doing takeaways and petrol stations, with daily operating hours from 8am to 8pm being uniformly set for all. The ruling covers supermarkets/hypermarkets and all sundry shops, and also includes home deliveries.
Limited operation hours for public transport (LRT/MRT and stage buses) will continue as last scheduled, from 6am to 10am and 5pm to 10pm daily, while taxis and ride-hailing vehicles will be permitted to operate from 6am to 10pm. For private individual vehicles, the one person per car ruling remains.
Again, we remind everyone that if it is absolutely necessary for you to get provisions, medical supplies and food, please make it fast and limit the distance travelled for those purposes. You can try switching to delivery services for food as much as possible, or at least on alternate occasions, in a bid to heed the government’s call to just stay at home.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Like police state.
What about our civil liberties?
I think the goverment is overreacting.
The worst affected countries are temperate. Tropical countries seems to be not very badly affected.
Govt incompetent. Rakyat suffer, empty stomach.
Our lives and health are more important than your civil liberties. Go to a deserted island if you want that.
Its better to overreact in this situation rather than underreact which translate into under prepared.
PH underreacted for 2 months during the initial outbreak which is why PN has to burden us for 1 month. Thank you so much PH! We won’t forget your inability which in office!
I think you should work in hospital for one day to see how bad it is. its easy to say it from the comfort of your own house.
if simple thing people can’t follow then how???
better tighten the MCO then say sorry later
#stayathome
Covid belum lg sampai. Rakan2 smue dh kebuluran dapur kosong, berkurung sakit mental.
What in the world is this abomination!!! Ridiculous…
What ridiculous is that you can’t even think to order the food early. put in the fridge/microwave and heat it up when you hungry.
Simply ridiculous..
Won’t increased roadblocks will see increased arrests, not the other way around?
Why not just fine those who are still stubborn, and use the fine money to build up our economy once the crisis is over
Why not fine the stubborn people who can’t understand what is MCO means, and then later on use the money build up our economy once the crisis is over, or that money will help us to get more medical assistant
Typical selfish attitude. What if I need to buy A/B/C? What if I need to go X/Y/Z? How come I cannot go at D/E/F time? Just shut the hell up la. This is a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. Your problems are not bigger than the rest of us. The world does not revolve around you. Dont like it? Too bad. Just be a grownup and deal with it.
This is the problem with Gen Z. Even global pandemic has to revolve around them and their selfish attitudes. These are the ones to die first in a zombie pandemic.
While thinking of the best measures to contain the virus, pls do remember that we still need to afford food and our rentals. Without the ability to work or move around to source for an income, many people and children are stuck at home with an empty stomach and fear the possibility of not being able to pay their home rentals and lose the existing home only ending up homeless. Unfortunately the government has only thought about waiving rentals for housing under government and business rentals. Not all the landlords are kind hearted to waive or defer the rental payments. The NGOs also can go around and help in certain states despite the MCO. Not all the areas have NGOs mov ing around to help out. Some people got told to wait till MCO end to be assessed for help. Some people don’t even know where to go find help or food when NGOs are able to help from a specific area.