Updated on March 30, 2020:
***The order has been extended two more weeks until April 14, according to Reuters.***
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Monday evening that the country will be on a movement control order starting from March 18 until March 31.
Under the movement control order, foreign travellers will be barred from entering the country, while Malaysian citizens will not be allowed to travel abroad. According to local news website The Star, those who return to Malaysia from overseas must undergo a health inspection and a 14-day self-quarantine.
According to Reuters, this announcement came after the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 500 in a single day on Monday, making Malaysia the largest cluster in Southeast Asia.
According to the Malaysian news website, all schools and universities will also be closed, and all government and private premises will be shut, except those providing essential services.
The local news website also reported that the order also includes a ban on large gatherings such as religious, sports, social and cultural activities.
According to Reuters, nearly two thirds (338) of the confirmed cases are linked to a religious gathering at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur attended by around 16,000 people, including 1,500 from other countries, between February 28 and March 1.
Business Traveller Asia-Pacific has reached out to Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier of the country, and asked if the airline will make flight adjustments because of the nationwide movement restrictions.
