Ah, shit. Here we go again.
It wasn’t too long ago that Malaysian authorities warned its people about a possible spike in COVID-19 cases following recent elections held in the state of Sabah.
And here we are now, battling a rising number of cases, forcing entire establishments to close and damaging the livelihoods of small-to-medium-sized business owners.
Malaysia was doing a commendable job. But alas, we can’t just sit here and whine. It’s time for a second round of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which will go into effect at 12.01 a.m. on October 14, 2020 in the states of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Putrajaya.
To make sure you don’t wind up breaking any laws, here’s the rundown of what you can and can’t do during Malaysia’s CMCO.
Allowed:
1. Malaysians can leave their homes, ONLY for essential tasks.
This includes grocery shopping, getting medicine, and seeing a doctor. But only two people per household are allowed to leave at any given time.
2. All economic, industrial, and business activities are allowed to operate, but with strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Need to get some grub for dinner? Restaurants and eateries will remain open, but only for takeaway and delivery. Do try to make use of online alternatives, like food delivery apps.
More details on specific SOPs to be released by the National Security Council in the near future.
3. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, and disciplined self isolation is a must.
It goes without saying, the less close contact you have with others, the lower your chances of contracting or transmitting COVID-19.
NOT allowed:
1. In-person interaction at educational institutions.
This includes schools, colleges and universities, training institutes, kindergartens, child care centers, and tahfiz centers.
Schools will revert back to online learning mode.
2. Strolls in public parks and exercise at recreation centers.
Sorry, no more pleasant strolls in your local park. And no more futsal or badminton sessions with your buddies. #RIPFitFam2020.
3. Attending prayers at places of worship.
This includes mosques, churches, temples, and other places of worship that would normally accommodate crowds.
Like online learning for schools, there are digital worship alternatives too.
4. All forms of sport and recreation, as well as social and cultural activities like wedding receptions.
If you had a wedding planned in the next two weeks, it can wait.
5. Commuting via express and public stage buses.
You’ll have to find other alternatives to move around.
6. Inter-district travel, unless you have a special permit.
If your place of work happens to be in another district, for example, then you will need to get a written letter from your employer to travel to and fro.
You can also get a special permit from the police, only if your reason for travel is deemed essential.
TL;DR – Stay at home, unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out.
Malaysia’s CMCO will take place from October 14 to October 27, 2020.
On October 12, 2020, Malaysia recorded 563 new COVID-19 cases, adding on to a total of 16,220.
Follow Mashable SEA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Cover image sourced from New Straits Times.
