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  • Writer's pictureTania Wee

Malaysia PM Announced Restricted Movement Order, not Lockdown


My fellow Malaysians,


As you have already heard (and is currently panic buying, please stop), our government has ordered a restricted movement order on the country, starting from 18 - 31 March 2020 in a drastic attempt to curb Covid-19. A restricted movement order is not to be confused with a lockdown order which is what China and Italy have implemented.


Malaysia currently has the highest recorded cases of Covid-19, the highest recorded cases in Southeast Asia, prompting the government to take these drastic measures. So what does restricted movement order mean?


To break it down:

1. All companies and government to *CLOSE* unless you are part of the essential service ie companies that impact the country's economy and communication such as banking, postal, media, water, electricity, wastage and so on.


2. Effective 18th March you still can go out from your house but only if it's utterly neccesary, this is NOT a full lockdown. You can go out to work at all the essential Service or if you don't work there, you can still use the services.


3. Restaurants are not to serve customers but can open for delivery services such as Grabfood, Foodpanda and so on. But if your restaurant doesn't have delivery services, they are not allowed to open. Basically, restaurants cannot serve dine in customers.


4. You can still drop by your office, but you are not supposed to work with colleagues as the purpose of this restricted movement order is to ensure no spread of Virus.


5. You are not allowed to travel abroad from 18th March to stop the spread of the Virus. States such as Sarawak have implemented a 14-days self isolation for visitors and citizens to the state.


6. You can still go out jogging, hiking, exercise but avoid close contact with others.


7. Supermarkets, marts and morning markets will be open. Staff in this places are allowed to go to work. And you can go as customers. Again try avoiding crowds and wear a mask.


8. Since this is not a full lockdown, you do not need to worry about essential staff travelling to work. They can still travel as long as not outstation.


9. No public weddings, maintain small scale funerals. No religious activities, including No Friday Prayers. All religious activities are totally banned.


10. Transportation of essential goods still allowed.


11. If you are part of condo management, you are suppose to close but if it effects the water and electricity then you are considered essential staff.


12. All teaching places related to education are to be closed. All exams postponed, students are not allowed go out and all the centres to close till 31st March.



In these two weeks, here are some things that you can do as a responsible Malaysian citizen:

  • Stay indoors unless it's absolutely necessary to go out.

  • Look out for yourself and those under your care for symptoms.

  • Do not panic buy. Shop responsibly and buy only what you need. Supermarkets and marts will remain open during these period.

  • Take your vitamins and exercise indoors as a good workout can help boost your immune system.


Can you be arrested or fined for defying the government's Restricted Movement Order? Yes, you can be and could be sentenced to a prison term of up to two years, a fine or both upon conviction.


For further clarifications, please contact the National Operations Management Centre at 03-8888 2010.

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