KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Sunday (June 7) that the country's movement control order (MCO) will continue until Aug 31 under the new recovery movement control order (RMCO) set to begin on June 10.

In a special televised broadcast, Mr Muhyiddin also said interstate travel will be allowed to resume on June 10, with the exception of areas declared under an enhanced movement control order (EMCO), as the nation moves towards the Covid-19 recovery stage.

“This evening I would like to announce some great news. The conditional movement control order (CMCO) scheduled to expire on June 9 will be replaced with the RMCO beginning June 10 until Aug 31,” he said.

“Under the RMCO, more relaxations will be given to my fellow citizens to conduct their daily activities while adhering to existing standard operating procedures (SOPs).”

Malaysia has been under the MCO and a subsequent relaxed version known as the CMCO for more than two months since March 18, with the sixth phase or the current CMCO scheduled to end in two days’ time on June 9.

Sunday’s announcement is the first step taken by the government towards Malaysia’s recovery after many businesses and activities were shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It also signals the federal government’s exit strategy on the ongoing MCO.

Muhyiddin said the government would implement the RMCO based on a seven-pronged strategy, including strengthening public healthcare, law and enforcement, tightening border security, reopening of economic sectors, cultivating new norms, empowering social responsibilities and protecting high-risk groups.

“These strategies will be implemented through the Ministers’ Special Committee chaired by the Defence Minister. At the state government level, these strategies will be implemented through a committee formed by the Mentri Besar and Chief Minister.

“These implementations require full co-operation and support from all parties including state and federal government machineries, private sector, NGOs and community leaders,” he said.

Muhyiddin also said the government has introduced several strategies and measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 since the MCO came into force last March.

“A lot of restrictions and control were imposed on my fellow citizens. Yet, I realise that the government cannot control the lives of everyone forever for the sake of curbing Covid-19. I know everyone wants to enjoy their lives normally.

“So it is now time for the government to give more liberty on the condition that each rakyat takes the responsibility to adopt new habitual norms and comply with all government-mandated SOPs.

“That means the responsibility in ensuring Covid-19 remained under control now rests in your hands,” he said.

On the list of prohibited and allowed activities or economic sectors, the public can visit the National Security Council’s (NSC) official website to inquire further. MALAY MAIL