KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Muhyiddin Yassin today outlined the government’s plans to control the Covid-19 outbreak for the foreseeable future, as the pandemic continues to rage around the world.
The prime minister noted that the Covid-19 pandemic was expected to continue for a “rather long time”, based on the rising global trend of coronavirus cases and worldwide research.
He also pointed out that specific medications and a proven safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19 have yet to be found.
“In this situation, anybody can be exposed to the risk of Covid-19 infection at this time,” Muhyiddin told a national address.
“Malaysia is not exempted either and is still facing an active outbreak. New Covid-19 cases reported daily are in the single, double, and sometimes triple digits, without ever once reporting zero cases. This shows that the chain of Covid-19 transmission in Malaysia still cannot be fully broken.”
Muhyiddin said the government’s goal “is not simply to flatten the curve of transmission, but also to ensure that this outbreak can be controlled for a long period of time”.
“Border controls will continue to be enhanced to prevent individuals who are potentially infected with Covid-19 from entering our country. Our borders are still closed, except for business purposes, including investments and education, with the conditions of compliance to strict standard operating procedures,” said the prime minister.
“We must strike a fine balance between protecting lives and the livelihoods of all Malaysians.”
Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia
Confirmed Covid-19 infections near 30 million around the globe, as coronavirus cases surge in India, South Korea, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among other countries. Israel has approved a second nationwide lockdown that is expected to start Friday.
India today reported 83,809 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest daily jump in a week. According to the Guardian, cases in India have been rising faster than any other country. The Covid-19 death toll in the Asian country exceeded 80,000 today, after 1,054 people died from the virus in a single day.
Muhyiddin added that Malaysia’s borders would also be tightened to stop the entry of undocumented foreigners into the country, as he advised Sabah residents to be vigilant amid fresh outbreaks in the state, especially in Tawau and Lahad Datu.
The prime minister reminded politicians and voters to practice the new norms of behaviour by avoiding handshakes and gathering in groups in crowded and congested places during the Sabah state election.
Muhyiddin said the government would not hesitate to impose an administrative enhanced Movement Control Order in areas that record a high number of new Covid-19 cases. Such lockdowns have been imposed on Kota Setar and three zones in Amanjaya, Kedah.
“My dear brothers and sisters, I want to remind you that we will all be affected if Covid-19 cases surge exponentially and MCO is forced to be reimposed. It will be very bad for our life and our country’s economy. We can’t go anywhere and we must just stay at home, like what is being enforced in Kota Setar, Kedah,” he added.
“Therefore, I hope that we all will continue to be tenacious, strong, and disciplined, in facing the Covid-19 outbreak. Remind ourselves to continue practicing the new norms of daily living. Besides actions taken by the government, practice of the new norms by you all is a very important factor in our effort to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.”
