Malaysia's king urges people to stay home as country returns to MCO to curb COVID-19
The declaration by Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah allows for the suspension of parliament and political activities AFP/NAZRI RAPAAI
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah on Tuesday (May 11) advised the public to stay home and avoid going out if they have no urgent matters to attend to during the movement control order (MCO).
Doing so would indirectly help frontline workers in curbing the spread of COVID-19 more effectively, said the king in a statement released by Ahmad Fadli, Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara.
“His Majesty also repeated his recent advice for the people to give priority to the safety and health of themselves and their families by maintaining discipline and obeying all instructions as well as the dos and don’ts set by the National Security Council (MKN).
“Sultan Abdullah’s advice is meant to prevent the country from being hit by COVID-19 tsunami as suffered by several countries in South Asia and Europe,” Ahmad Fadil said.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Monday that Malaysia will be placed under another nationwide movement control order (MCO) from Wednesday to Jun 7.
All forms of social gatherings, including weddings, house visits during Hari Raya and grave visits are prohibited.
All educational institutions will be closed.
READ: No 'festive vibes' - Malaysians brace for another sombre Hari Raya amid nationwide COVID-19 lockdown
The king also reminded the public that they are generally prohibited from crossing states and districts under the new rules.
“Sultan Abdullah also expressed concern over the latest situation of COVID-19 in the country which had not shown any sign of a decline ever since the number of daily positive cases reached the 4,000-mark last week," said Ahmad Fadil.
“As such, His Majesty hopes that the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations and all the people will intensify efforts to flatten the infection curve of the pandemic which had affected all quarters regardless of their background."
He also called on all sides to set aside their differences and self-interest to help the government and the frontline workers make the national COVID-19 immunisation programme a success.
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