Restricted movement for 14 days Public measure: The movement control order will limit congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events. PETALING JAYA: A movement control order will be imposed from tomorrow until the end of the month to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The Prime Minister announced the measure after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) last night. “The government has decided to enact the measure, starting March 18 until March 31, throughout the whole country. “This order is being issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, ” he said during a special broadcast. The measure will restrict the movement and congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events. While public and business premises will be closed, Muhyiddin announced that supermarkets, sundry shops and other shops which sell daily essentials will remain open. Overseas travel for Malaysians will be restricted while those returning to the country must undergo health checks and voluntary quarantine. Educational centres and schools, including higher learning institutions, will also be closed during this period. The Prime Minister assured the public that essential services will continue. These include health services, utilities such as fuel and electricity, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, police and those involved in the food supply chain. Muhyiddin said he will chair daily NSC meetings and periodic updates will be announced to the public. He also urged for all Malaysians to be patient during these trying times and to comply with the restrictions. He assured the public that enough food and essentials are available, including face masks. But at the same time, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will monitor the supply of these items. “I realise the public might feel these actions create difficulties and hardships during their day to day lives. However, such action must be taken by the government to contain the outbreak. “We cannot wait any longer for the situation to turn more dire. Drastic measures have to be taken immediately, ” he said. He urged the public not to panic and remain calm. “I believe that with these measures, we will be able to contain the outbreak soon, ” he said. Muhyiddin also thanked those directly involved in combating the Covid-19 outbreak, including health officers and public servants who have been working around the clock. “I pray that you will remain strong in performing your duties for the country to ensure public safety, ” he said. ~The Star~
COVID-19: Stay-home notices for all travellers entering Singapore from ASEAN countries, Japan, UK, Switzerland People who enter Singapore with recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will be issued with a 14-day stay-home notice. This will take effect from 11.59pm on Monday (Mar 16) and applies to all travellers, including Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Sunday. People who enter Singapore with recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will be issued with a 14-day stay-home notice. This will take effect from 11.59pm on Monday (Mar 16) and applies to all travellers, including Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Sunday. It will not apply to Singaporeans and Malaysians using sea and land crossings with Malaysia, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said, adding that separate arrangements are currently being worked out by a bilateral joint working group with Malaysia. Mr Wong, who also co-chairs the multi-ministry taskforce, added that about 300,000 people move across the land checkpoints with Malaysia every day. Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said on Sunday that given Singapore’s proximity to Malaysia, the 14-day stay-home notice will not apply to the land and sea crossings between both countries. “Singaporean and Malaysian workers who commute between Singapore and Malaysia daily will still be able to do so," Mr Chan said in a Facebook post. Source: CNA/zl(mi)
Bangkok Airways to Temporarily Suspend Bangkok-Vientiane Flights Bangkok Airways has announced that it will suspend routes between Bangkok and Vientiane until further notice amid a drop in the number of passengers. The operation of PG943 Bangkok-Vientiane and PG944 Vientiane-Bangkok will be suspended from March 10, except for March 24, while PG949 Bangkok-Vientiane and PG940 Vientiane-Bangkok will not operate from March 29. “Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited announces a decrease in flight frequency as well as flight termination on certain domestic and international routes to be in line with current passenger demand,” the airline explained. “This also follows the airline’s expense reduction plans which were launched earlier this month due to the global economic slowdown combined with the COVID-19 epidemic,” the company added. Further information about affected flights can be found at Bangkok Airways’ website. ~The Laotian Times~
COVID-19: Malaysia bars entry of cruise vessels Malaysia will not to permit entry of cruise vessels to its ports with immediate effect due to the COVID-19 outbreak until the overall situation improves and the spread of the virus is contained, said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. He said in view of the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia and around the world, various measures were being taken by the Malaysian authorities to contain local transmission and to safeguard public health. He said entry and transit of cruise vessels, passengers and crew members require considerable medical resources to be made available at ports for screening and treatment purposes. "During this difficult period, it is important that more medical resources are concentrated at hospitals to attend to medical emergencies and undertake preventive measures. "As such the Ministry of Health in consultation with other government ministries and agencies has taken the decision not to permit the entry of cruise vessels to Malaysian ports," he said in a Facebook posting today. Dr Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry aknowledged that the cruise industry is an important component of Malaysia’s tourism sector and has contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy but was hopeful that this is a temporary measure and was confident that the concerted efforts of all parties will assist in resolving the issue at hand soonest possible. -- BERNAMA
