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THE Malaysian government extended the lockdown and extensive movement restrictions for two weeks. As a result, the lockdown in Malaysia will only end on 18 February.
This is being done as the Southeast Asian country grapples with a spike in coronavirus infections that has pushed total infections to over 200,000.
Malaysian Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the lockdown, which covers all but one state and will end on February 4, will continue until February 18.
“The health ministry has confirmed that daily cases in all states are still showing an increasing trend. The sporadic spread in society is also high,” said Ismail Sabri in a televised address today.
Despite the lockdown, the government will provide leeway for businesses to continue operating, especially micro businesses and small traders. But the Malaysian government will still ban cross-border travel and other social activities.
Malaysia reported more than 4,000 cases of the new coronavirus on Monday (1/2), raising the cumulative total to nearly 220,000 including 770 deaths. [antaranews]
