The Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced on Friday (Aug 28) that the recovery phase of the Malaysian COVID-19 Movement Control Order (RMCO) will be extended till December 31 this year and foreign tourists will be barred from entering into the country.

The Prime Minister said in a televised speech on late Friday that although the number of new cases in the country has declined and situation was under control but the virus is still rapidly spreading across global.

He stated, “I am aware that based on global developments, we will go through a lengthy period before the country can be completely free from the threat of COVID-19.”

“For now, the situation is controlled. However, if there is an increase in cases in certain locations, the government will take a targeted approach by implementing enhanced movement control order or targeted movement control order, as previously enforced in several locations,” he further added.

The government requires a legal mechanism to continue its efforts in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, for the benefit of everyone, the government has decided to extend the recovery movement control order until the end of this year.

Mr. Muhyiddin emphasized that no one will be exempted from these laws and anyone who violates the regulations will be punished. He also pointed out that this extension will ensure that all parties will comply with the outlined standard operating procedures (SOPs) and health protocols.

He also supported and agreed with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to increase the fines to double or triple amount of the existing amount for violators of these laws.

In addition to above, he further informed that foreign tourists are still prohibited from entering into Malaysia and the ban has been extended till December 31, 2020 in a bid to minimize the risk of importation and spread of virus to the local community.

With the resumption of most businesses and schools in the country, the extension of restrictions will not disrupt daily activities. Only entertainment centers, nightclubs and international sports events are closed. The border will remain closed and people who entering into the country under special travel arrangements will be tested or isolated where applicable.

In regard to COVID-19 transmission in Malaysia, the country has reported a total number of 9,317 confirmed cases which are under treatment and 125 deaths caused by the virus. However, 9,038 patients who tested positive to COVID-19 have completely recovered from the virus, as of Saturday (Aug 29).