Selangor May See "MCO 1.0" Again If COVID-19 Cases Rise, Decision Still Uncertain

Selangor may see full scale MCO 1.0 again

We’ve all been getting used to the Movement Control Order (MCO) again, with Malaysia going under lockdown on 12th May 2021. Nonetheless, it’s been easier this time around for many, with all businesses allowed to operate as usual.

But with COVID-19 cases yet to decrease in Malaysia, Selangor – which has been recording the highest daily cases nationwide – might see a possible return of a full-scale MCO. This will be akin to the first round of MCO, or MCO 1.0, with stricter SOPs, as announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. However, a decision will only be made after a meeting is held by the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN).

Cases on the rise a cause for concern

Yesterday, 17th May, Malaysia clocked in another 4,446 new COVID-19 cases, with Selangor recording 1,650 cases, as reported by KKM.

As such, the Health Ministry is considering implementing a “full-scale” MCO in Selangor again.

Selangor may see return of total lockdown MCO 1 - Dr Adham
Image credit: Dr Adham Baba

Adham was quoted by Free Malaysia Today saying that the current MCO in place nationwide has allowed the Health Ministry to carry out more COVID-19 tests and subsequent treatment for patients, including those in Selangor.

However, a cause for concern remains with the uptick in COVID-19 cases nationwide, as well as the emergence of COVID-19 variants.

Dr Adham also cited the current lack of adherence to SOPs as a potential contributing factor to the rise in cases.

Potential clusters from the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period – 13th to 15th May – where individuals were said to be celebrating in shopping malls, was another example he gave that may cause a spike in cases in the coming days in Malaysia, according to a report by Malay Mail.

Daily COVID-19 cases in Malaysia was predicted by KKM to top 8,000 cases by June, as reported by The Edge Markets.

Image credit: KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA

To help curb the spread of the virus, he proposed a MCO with more restrictions in Selangor, similar to the one Malaysians went through at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

But this might not be the only solution, as he also suggested that stricter SOPs can be enforced to try to help bring down case counts too.

It also might not all be necessary if COVID-19 cases decrease and health facilities are able to keep up with the increase in patients seeking treatment for the virus. Public compliance with SOPs may help determine if a total lockdown MCO is needed again as well.

Decision will be up to the Health Ministry, MKN

In a press conference also held yesterday, 17th May, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob came out to say that the revision of the current MCO to a stricter one in Selangor will be up to the Health Ministry and relevant authorities.

However, a decision will only be made after a meeting has been held by the National Security Council, on the account of the Health Ministry’s advice, as reported by New Straits Times.

MCO 1.0 still undecided in Selangor

The current MCO in place nationwide has been tough for many businesses and individuals. So the possible return of a stricter MCO in Selangor may not be an ideal situation for many who are just getting used to MCO 3.0, which is slated on end on 7th June. But for now, we can only wait on official announcements from the government about the possible return of any new SOPs or revision to the current MCO.