Govt To Meet Today To Discuss Possibility Of “MCO 3.0” In Red Zone States

Revision of MCO in talks, but unconfirmed

Those who spent time browsing through social media this past weekend might’ve stumbled across news of “MCO 3.0”. This comes as the Health Ministry is said to have submitted a proposal for another round of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in states that have high COVID-19 cases, and PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was quoted saying that the MCO is under review.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob released a statement yesterday, 2nd May 2021, stating that the government has yet to meet to review the MCO. But he was quoted today, 3rd May, by The Borneo Post saying that The National Security Council (MKN) will be meeting at 3PM to discuss a revision of the MCO in states.

Update: As of 4th May 2021, the government has announced that 6 districts in Selangor will be undergoing the MCO. Read more here.

Discussion about revision of MCO held today

States expected to see MCO 3.0 are Selangor, KL, Penang, Johor, and Sarawak.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba was quoted by New Straits Times on 1st May, citing these states as examples for another round of the MCO as COVID-19 cases have been on the rise there.

As of 2nd May, Selangor has recorded the highest number of total COVID-19 cases in Malaysia with 134,849 total cases, with Sabah (58,315), Johor (45,900), KL (44,169), Sarawak (31,691) and Penang (20,084) also reporting total cases in the 5-digits, as reported by KKM.

If the MCO is said to return after the decision is made final, Ramadan bazaars will close, work from home orders will be carried out, and only selected businesses will be allowed to operate in affected states.

Image credit: Ismail Sabri Yaakob

However, no decision has been made yet.

Ismail Sabri announced in a statement to news portal The Vibes, which was quoted by Malay Mail on 2nd May, saying that MKN has not yet met to discuss the matter.

In an update today, he shared with Oriental Daily after being contacted that discussions for revisions of the MCO in certain states will be carried out today at 3PM, as reported by The Borneo Post. The final decision, however, remains up in the air and “uncertain” as of now.

The possible announcement of the MCO will not be immediate, and will only be announced after the meeting is held.

“MCO 3.0” still under review by authorities

The first and second rounds of the MCO have been hard on Malaysians, so the possible “MCO 3.0” that is allegedly making a return in certain states comes as a blow to many. But we are reminded once again to wait for official announcements from the government regarding the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia, including the return of the MCO, to avoid unnecessary panic.