The government may be forced to extend the existing 14-day Movement Control Order (MCO) if it fails to prevent the spread of Covid-19, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.
“The government hopes that after this two-week period, those with symptoms are able to be isolated and treated, making Malaysia free of Covid-19.
“If during this period, we are unable to succeed completely, the government may be forced to extend the duration of the Movement Control Order.
“As such, it is important that we all isolate ourselves and our families from being exposed to Covid-19,” he said in an address which was broadcast live last night.
In his address, the Prime Minister repeatedly urged the people to stay at home and to avoid using the two-week period to go back to their hometowns or go on holiday or have gatherings with friends.
“During this two-week period, stay at home.
“I say this because many were going back to their hometowns last night. I saw the highways jammed with cars heading all over the country.
“The bus stations were also packed,” said Muhyiddin.
He said that Covid-19 is transmitted from person to person via touching.
“Your chances of getting infected is higher if you go to crowded places,” Muhyiddin said.
He added that this was another reason why the government decided to close all schools, so as to minimise the chances of schoolchildren passing the virus around.
“As Prime Minister, I have a big responsibility to address this crisis which has hit our country,” he said, adding that he could not possibly achieve such a task without the cooperation of everyone.
Muhyiddin stressed that he needed the support of doctors, nurses, police officers, all civil servants, private sector workers, university students and all other people to prevent Covid-19 from spreading across the country.
“InsyaAllah (God willing), with the support, unity and perseverance of us all, I pray that we will be successful in overcoming this crisis,” he said.