Malaysia extends coronavirus restrictions to more states as cases soar

Malaysia reported 1,168 new infections on Saturday, as the government extended a partial lockdown order to more states until December 6

Inter-district movement is banned and only two people from a household are allowed out to buy groceries

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People wearing protective masks shop at a market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:17pm, 7 Nov 2020Updated: 9:41pm, 7 Nov 2020

Malaysia’s government said on Saturday that it will expand movement restrictions to most parts of the country, with coronavirus cases nearly tripling over the past month.

Another 1,168 new cases were reported on Saturday, bringing Malaysia’s total tally to 39,357 – compared to just 13,993 a month ago.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said all of peninsula Malaysia except for three states will be placed under a conditional movement control order from Monday until December 6. He said the move will help curb the virus spread and allow targeted screening to be done.

The restrictions have been in effect since October 14 in the country’s biggest city, Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital, Putrajaya, and the richest state, Selangor.

Malaysia emerged from a three-month lockdown in June, and the fresh outbreak was linked to an election in Sabah state on Borneo island. Restrictions have also been imposed in Sabah.

Under the order, schools and all sports, religious and social events are halted, but businesses can operate as usual with strict measures. Inter-district movement is banned and only two people from a household are allowed out to buy groceries.

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