Malaysia proposes Enhanced MCO for hotspots in Selangor
Possible Enhanced MCO for locations in Selangor
Image adapted from: Star Property and @nightlinetv3
It’s day 13 of Movement Control Order (MCO), and Malaysians all deserve a pat on the back for successfully surviving almost 2 weeks of staying at home. Although we’re still seeing a rise in the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, but this is because a majority of them are from previously identified clusters like the tabligh cluster.
Along with the MCO extension, the government has also implemented Enhanced MCO in 2 Johor villages and 7 areas in Hulu Langat after detecting a high number of COVID-19 cases in several areas. Residents in these parts are now experiencing total lockdown for about 2 weeks and during this period, where they are totally barred from leaving their houses.
With Selangor having the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at 579, the government has proposed the Enhanced MCO to be implemented in “1 or 2 zones”, as said by the Health Director-General Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah in a report by The Edge Markets.
New red and orange zones in Selangor
Although the 2 zones weren’t disclosed by Abdullah, Malaysians can refer to the infographic shared by the Ministry of Health’s official Twitter page that shows the distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases across Malaysian states and areas.
Image credit: @KKMPutrajaya
According to the statistics that were posted a day ago on 29th March 2020, there are now 4 red zones in Selangor:
- Petaling – 209 cases
- Hulu Langat – 206 cases
- Gombak – 57 cases
- Klang – 51 cases
From these numbers, we can make an inference that if the proposal for an Enhanced MCO goes through, it would take place in locations within Petaling and Hulu Langat as they have the highest number of COVID-19 cases.
However, locations outside of Selangor should also practice precaution as numbers have also been increasing in Kuala Lumpur.
- Lembah Pantai – 218 cases
- Titiwangsa – 51 cases
- Kepong – 50 cases
- Cheras – 25 cases
Apart from Cheras which is now classified as an orange zone for having more than 20 COVID-19 cases, the other locations are all red zones and high-risk territories.
Lembah Pantai has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Klang Valley with 218 cases
Image credit: Kean
If an Enhanced MCO were to take place in any of these areas, residents will be put through the same regimen as what’s taking place in Johor and Hulu Langat. This entails not being able to leave the house for any reason.
On top of this, roads in and out of the town will be blocked, and officials will commence house-to-house check-ins to trace the virus. Businesses will also not be able to operate during this time.
Instead, the Social Welfare Department will be handing out food and necessities to each household and there’ll also be a medical base set up for any emergencies.
Enhanced MCO a big possibility for Klang Valley
As we continue to see the numbers of COVID-19 rise, there’s a good chance that the government will implement Enhanced MCO in Klang Valley. However, this is by no means is an excuse for Malaysians to panic as the government has plans in place so that we won’t be left starving in our homes.
While we can only wait for further announcements, we can continue doing our part by staying home and maintaining good hygiene to decrease the possibility of an Enhanced MCO taking place in our towns.
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