The National Security Council has no plans to impose a complete lockdown as it looks to tighten the movement control order, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said this in dismissing speculation the government is set to impose a total lockdown in intensifying the fight against Covid-19.
“Such news being spread on social media is fake.
“When I said that the SOP (standard operating procedure) will be tightened, many started spreading fake news that the government will impose complete lockdown where all grocery stores, supermarkets and markets will be closed.
“So, I want to explain that talks about complete lockdown, emergency and such are all baseless,” he said in a press conference in Putrajaya today.
Ismail said as long as the MCO is in force under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, it would not be a total lockdown.
He said the tightened SOP was to determine the opening hours of shops and markets.
“However, these shops and markets will remain open so that the people can continue buying foodstuff.”
He said he would be announcing the new SOP after the NSC had looked into the changes and their impact to the people.
“I assure you it is not a total lockdown. Don’t be influenced by inaccurate news, which results in panic buying,” he added.
Social media has been abuzz with news that the government would impose curfew to prohibit people from going outside from 6pm to 7am.
Others, meanwhile, said Putrajaya would impose a total lockdown after the number of Covid-19 cases increased in the last 10 days.
However, the government did order a total lockdown for two weeks in two areas in Johor on Thursday after the areas recorded more than 61 cases.
Under the enhanced MCO, the villagers are not allowed to leave their house while all shops have been ordered to be closed. Food for the villagers will be supplied by the Welfare Department.
The government announced the MCO on March 18, originally to be in place until March 31. It has now been extended until April 14.
So far Malaysia has recorded 2,161 cases, with 26 deaths.