Following a prolonged downturn in the number of confirmed cases, Malaysia is ready to enter the next phase of its recovery from COVID-19. According to the country’s Prime Minister, Malaysia will begin the ‘recovery phase’ of nationwide lockdown starting tomorrow and lasting until the end of August.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin addressed the nation on Sunday to confirm that, starting from 10th June, Malaysia will begin its ‘recovery phase.’ This will entail further rollbacks to the existing Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which is itself a watered-down version of the original MCO.
“Malaysia has successfully contained the spread of the pandemic and will now enter the recovery phase,” confirmed the Prime Minister in a televised address over the weekend. He also reiterated that the new relaxation in government control does not mean an end to public diligence; physical distancing, hygiene and personal safety protocols should remain in place.
According to the terms of the ‘Recovery MCO,’ almost all social, educational, religious and business activities will be allowed to resume, while Malaysia’s economic sectors will also begin a process of reopening in phases. Interstate travel will also be permitted under the new measures, although Malaysia’s borders will continue to remain closed for the time being.
Malaysia first imposed its Movement Control Order (MCO) on 18th March, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. This was subsequently extended four times, with the latest iteration set to expire today (9th June). The latest phase of the MCO is scheduled to continue until 31st August, at which time the government will assess the situation and decide on their next course of action. If current trends continue, the hope is that a full reopening of Malaysia to international travel may not be far away.
