Janet in News On February 17, 2021, 1:46 pm

MCO Extended To 4th March In KL, Selangor, Johor & Penang, But 10KM Travel Limit Is Lifted

MCO extended till 4th March 2021

Many of us have been hoping for the easing of the Movement Control Order (MCO) restrictions so we can get back to our normal lives. But the need to stay safe amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is still a priority in these tough times, with daily COVID-19 cases still surpassing the 4-digit mark in recent weeks in Malaysia.

Just yesterday, 16th February 2021, Malaysia recorded 2,720 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, as reported by KKM. Along with this daily update from KKM, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on the same day that the MCO will be extended from 18th February to 4th March for those living in KL, Selangor, Johor and Penang. But it’s not all bad news this time around, as the 10KM travel limit will be lifted in all states.

COVID-19 numbers in Malaysia decreasing

As of 16th February, Malaysia has recorded a total of 269,165 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of this number, KKM said that 258,998 cases – over 96% – were recorded during the 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, which is said to have started back in October 2020.

While the numbers are overwhelming, it is good to note that yesterday’s total of 2,720 new COVID-19 cases marks the 3rd day in a row where daily cases have not surpassed the 3,000 mark.

The number of recorded cases yesterday was 5,718 – double the new daily COVID-19 cases.

Image credit: KKM

Selangor recorded the highest number of daily COVID-19 cases yesterday, with 1,300 new confirmed cases reported. Johor reported 451 new cases, while KL is trailing close behind with 318 new COVID-19 cases.

The good news is that Perlis recorded zero new cases while Labuan reported only 1 new case yesterday.

Image credit: KKM

MCO 2.0 extends to 4 states, with easing travel limits

Although the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia seems to be improving, MCO 2.0 will continue to be in place for those living in KL, Selangor, Johor and Penang. The previously mentioned end date of MCO 2.0 in these states was slated to last only until 18th February.

Meanwhile, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Sabah, Terengganu, Putrajaya and Labuan will switch to the Conditional MCO (CMCO) tomorrow, 18th February. These states and federal territories will join Sarawak, which is currently the only state under the CMCO. Likewise, Perak will be the only state to be under the Recovery MCO (RMCO) from 18th February.

Image credit: Polis Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysia Police)

With all business sectors now allowed to resume operations – including hair salons and night markets – the previous 10KM travel limit guideline will be lifted in all states. This new SOP will come into effect today, 17th February.

However, interdistrict and interstate travel is still banned in all states under the MCO and the CMCO, as reported by New Straits Times. Meanwhile, interdistrict travel will be allowed in states under the RMCO. This comes as travel limits is said to help contain the spread of COVID-19, with interstate travel being the cause of 14% of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia back in May 2020.

Registrations for vaccines to start on 1st March

Image credit: Noor Hisham Abdullah

While the extension of round 2 of the MCO comes as a bummer to those living in states affected, we have brighter days to look forward to. Not too long ago, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba announced that 70% of Malaysians will be vaccinated. This will be carried out in stages with frontliners and the elderly community prioritised for COVID-19 vaccinations.

But all Malaysians will now be able to sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations on 1st March. According to a report by Bernama, there’ll be both offline and online ways to do so, either through the MySejahtera app or by dropping by nearby health facilities to kickstart the registration process for COVID-19 vaccinations.

MCO 2.0 extended till 4th March in 4 states

Malaysians have been seeing extensions of the MCO and its various stages and restrictions ever since COVID-19 first landed on our shores in the early months of 2020. While it has been less-than-ideal times for many, we hope that COVID-19 cases continue to see a decrease in the coming days, as we’re adhere to the SOPs of the various MCOs to help curb the spread of the virus.