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This latest order, from 12 May to 7 June, reinforces the need for employers to implement work-from-home arrangements, as well as curtails most forms of social gatherings over Aidilfitri.
With the number of daily cases exceeding 4,000, with 37,396 active cases and 1,700 deaths reported as of 10 May, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has put in place a new nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) from 12 May to 7 June 2021.
Details of what this MCO entails have been shared by the nation’s National Security Council (MKN) on Facebook. For instance, the order prohibits all forms of social gatherings, which includes weddings, engagement ceremonies, and sports and recreation activities. All educational institutions (except early childhood educational facilities) will be closed. Dining-in at eateries and restaurants is likewise prohibited.
With regards to the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, all social activities have been curtailed – including family celebrations, house-to-house visits, as well as grave visits.
Aidilfitri prayers in mosques and suraus are, however, allowed with a limit of 50 people for mosques and suraus that can accommodate more than 1,000 worshipers; and, a limit of 20 people for mosques and suraus that can accommodate less than 1,000 worshipers.
To note: In addition to the ban on social activities, sports and education, the cross-district and state ban is from 10 May to 6 June 2021. This was announced by the Senior Minister of Defense on 8 May 2021.
Here are the full details on the MCO (12 May to 7 June 2021):
1. Cross-county and cross-state prohibitions on travel except for emergency, health, work, economic purposes, vaccination appointments, and long-distance couples;
2. Prohibit all forms of social gatherings including feasts, wedding and engagement ceremonies, prayers for peace and tahlil, dinner ceremonies, birthday celebrations, and official government and private functions. Any form of seminars, conferences and physical meetings are not permitted. Marriage ceremonies are allowed with the number of attendance and SOPs determined by the state Islamic religious authority for Muslims and the National Registration Department for non-Muslims;
3. Prohibit all sports and recreational activities except individual sports and recreation in open areas such as jogging, cycling and exercise by practicing social distancing;
4. All educational institutions are closed. Exceptions are given to students who will sit for international examinations. Childcare centres, kindergartens and nurseries are allowed to operate in accordance with the SOPs set to assist in the work of parents or guardians;
5. The number of people in private vehicles, taxis and e-hailing is limited to three people only, including the driver. For commercial vehicles, it depends on the number allowed in its registration license. For public transport, individuals must comply with social distancing measures and established SOPs.
6. Dine-in in restaurants and eateries is not permitted. Drive-by and take-away of food are permitted;
7. Employers must implement the work-from-home (bekerja dari rumah, or BDR) policy with the presence of not more than 30% of management staff in office at all times.
8. House-to-house and grave visiting during Hari Raya are not allowed.
9. Aidilfitri prayers in mosques and suraus are allowed with the presence of a congregation not exceeding 50 people for mosques and suraus that can accommodate more than 1,000 worshipers; and, 20 people for mosques and suraus that can accommodate less than 1,000 worshipers. The same applies to the five-hour obligatory prayers and Friday prayers.
10. Operations of non-Muslim houses of worship will also be tightened.
11. Specific orders implemented in Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan are continued.
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