KUALA LUMPUR — As the number of new Covid-19 cases continues to rise, Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has reminded his citizens that Putrajaya will not hesitate to impose the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in areas where there is a drastic spike in Covid-19 cases.

He also said that the MCO may have to be reimposed if there is a drastic increase across the board.

He said Malaysians should not be lax in complying with standard operating procedures as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.

His warning comes as Malaysia reported 615 new cases in the last 14 days and as three districts saw a significant rise in cases, leading them to be declared red zones.

“The MCO will have to be re-enforced if there is a drastic rise in Covid-19 cases,” he said in a special televised address on Tuesday (Sept 15) night.

He reminded Malaysians to continue complying with the SOPs as the new norm practices are critical to breaking the chain of virus infections.

He said the economy and lives of the people will be negatively impacted if the MCO is enforced yet again.

“We cannot go anywhere and will have to stay home, like what is being done in Kota Setar, Kedah, right now,” he said, referring to the district under EMCO following a spike in new cases.

As the virus continues to spread across the globe, with Malaysia being no exception, Mr Muhyiddin cautioned that anyone could be exposed to the risk of infection.

“Daily Covid-19 cases have been rising in the single, double and sometimes triple digits without receding to zero.

“This goes to show that chain of Covid-19 infections in Malaysia has yet to be completely broken.”

He said practising the new norms as a way of life will serve as a line of defence as Malaysia battles to overcome the Covid-19 menace.

“We all have to play the role of front-liners by continuing to comply with the new norms,” he said.

“Hence, I would like to remind you to continue being alert. Don’t be complacent.”

“Quarantine rules, wearing a mask and compliance with SOPs are still in force,” he added.

He reminded Malaysians to be disciplined and comply with health regulations, such as washing hands and seeking treatment if virus symptoms appear. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT