The government of Malaysia has taken the step to implement the Movement Control Order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, effective from 18 - 31 March 2020. This applies throughout Malaysia.
Due to that, The National Security Council (NSC) has released its first FAQ concerning the Order.
Photo via The Sun Daily
The Order is based on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967.
There are 6 instructions in the Movement Control Order:
- A comprehensive prohibition of mass movements and gatherings including religious, sports, socials and cultural activities.
- All restrictions on all Malaysians travelling abroad.
- Restrictions on entry of all foreign tourists and visitors into the country.
- Closing of all State, Government and Private Schools and other primary, secondary and pre-university institutions.
- Closing of all Public and Private Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT) and Skills Training Institutes nationwide.
- Closing of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services.
Movement Control Order FAQ’s:
Can weddings be held during this period?
All receptions are not allowed.
Does the order have a set period of time?
No. The Order is enforced all day during this period.
Are we allowed to go out and buy grocery items or other necessities?
Yes.
If we have spouses who are not Malaysian citizens, are we allowed to return to Malaysia during this time?
Yes, provided the couple can prove the validity of the marriage either registered with the Government of Malaysia or the Government of the home country. Upon returning, individuals must go through health screening and self-quarantine to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.
My child is a student at an overseas institution. Is he allowed to return home?
Any Malaysian is allowed to return home. However, the individual must go through health screening and self-quarantine to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.
I am a long-term visa holder in Malaysia and have returned to my home country before the Order was issued. Am I allowed to return to Malaysia for work purposes?
Yes. Only foreign migrant workers working in the country’s essential services sector are allowed to return to Malaysia during this period. The foreign migrants must obtain a letter of confirmation from their respective employers and must be forwarded to the Malaysian Immigration Department at the point of entry.
I work in Singapore, am I allowed to commute to the office?
No. This Order applies to all individuals within the country. All individuals who work in neighbouring countries but live in Malaysia are not allowed to travel during the period and should inform their employers.
I have made plans for a vacation in Malaysia, and I already paid for it. Am I allowed to continue my holiday?
The public is strictly prohibited to go anywhere including a resort for social activities and if the visit does not involve matters of national importance, you are advised not to continue.
Am I allowed to drive to the airport to fetch someone who has returned from abroad, and that person is working in a sector that provides essential services?
Going to a place for a short while is allowed under the Order.
Do schools have to replace suspended classes?
No.
Do all public and private institutes of higher learning and training centres come under the Order?
Yes.
What about students staying in hostels provided by their institutions, especially foreign students?
All students are required to stay in their residences during the Order period.
Foreign students are advised to return to their home countries during this period. If they do return, they are not allowed to return while the Order is enforced.
However, foreign students who decide to stay in Malaysia must report to the management of their institutions and adhere to the Order.
Can fast food outlets, restaurants or hawker centres continue to operate?
Yes. however, they are only allowed to facilitate take-out orders or food delivery orders.
Will public transport networks still operate?
Yes.
I have already paid for my stay at the hotel for a vacation, can I get a refund?
The public is encouraged to discuss the matter with the hotel.
Are solat jenazah and tahlil prayers allowed in the event of death at home?
They can only be carried out with the closest relatives of the deceased and with the mosque/surau. Only funeral prayers can be conducted without tahlil.
