Revision of SOPs for FMCO if cases take a dip
The current full lockdown, dubbed the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) by many, was slated to end today, 14th June 2021. However, with cases still surpassing the 5,000 mark during the 2-week lockdown, the government announced on 11th June 2021 that the FMCO will be extended till 28th June, for another 2 weeks.
SOPs for the extension remain the same as previously announced guidelines for now. However, this might all change if Malaysia sees daily COVID-19 cases falling below the 4,000 mark, which will prompt the government to consider reviewing and revising the current rules.
Review of FMCO SOPs by the government
The FMCO sees Malaysia back to the first days of the MCO in March 2020, with guidelines such as a 10km radius travel limit and only selected businesses and manufacturing sectors allowed to operate.
Promising better days for those whose source of livelihoods have been affected by the closure of most businesses, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the current SOPs may be reviewed if cases dip below 4,000, as reported by The Star on 13th June.
This does not signify the end of the MCO in Malaysia, but it does mean a possible revision of the current rules and introduction of less-strict SOPs. The decision will be subject to the advice of the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the National Security Council (MKN).
Image credit: Mid Valley Megamall
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is said to have set the targeted goal of 4,000 cases or less before a review of the current FMCO rules can be discussed in an upcoming meeting.
This is to ensure that there is a reduction of the nationwide daily infectivity rate too before a decision is made.
Likewise, Ismail was also quoted by Malay Mail on 13th June saying that the government’s main goal right now is to vaccinate at least 60% of Malaysia’s population. This will be a key milestone that needs to be achieved before the possible end of the MCO in Malaysia.
4,949 new COVID-19 cases on 14th June
Today, 14th June, Malaysia recorded 4,949 new COVID-19 cases.
This marks a small win for the country, with cases falling below the 5,000 mark ever since the FMCO was implemented on 1st June.
Image credit: @KKMPutrajaya
Of the total cases today, Selangor recorded the highest count by state, with 1,523 new cases.
Following after are Sarawak (744), KL (503), Johor (430), and Negeri Sembilan (323).
Perlis (1), Putrajaya (10) and Pahang (61) recorded the lowest counts.
Revision of FMCO SOPs if cases fall below 4,000
It’s been 2 weeks since the FMCO was implemented. Coupled with today’s cases seeing new daily COVID-19 numbers finally dipping below 5,000, and a possible revision of the current strict SOPs if cases fall below 4,000, let’s hold out hopes of seeing better days in Malaysia.
For now, we are all reminded to stay at home and only go out for essentials at this time, so we can see more significant decrease in daily cases.
Read more here:
- COVID-19 cases dropped 3.6% during the FMCO
- FMCO extended nationwide till 28th June, but SOPs remain unchanged
- Florists petition government to let business resume during the FMCO
Cover image adapted from: Mid Valley Megamall and @KKMPutrajaya