Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced on 28th August 2020, that the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) to curb the spread of COVID-19 will be extended to 31st December 2020.

The decision to extend the RMCO was because of the recent emergence of new clusters, and the number of daily new cases.

Muhyiddin said that although the nation has handled the crisis well, the recent spikes have raised concerns that the pandemic has yet to run its course.

Previously, Muhyiddin announced on 7^th June 2020 that the Movement Control Order (MCO) will be extended until 31st August 2020 and Malaysia is currently entering the recovery phase which is now called the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) or Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Pemulihan (PKPP).

The MCO and a subsequent relaxed phase known as the CMCO have been imposed for the past 82 days. Beginning 10th June, the government is lifting several restrictions as the country moves into the recovery phase.

Here is a quick summary of what is allowed and not allowed during the RMCO.

Allowed

Not allowed

Interstate travel Barbers, salons, beauty parlours and nail salons Museums Busking and filming Meetings and workshops Morning / evening / night markets, pasar tani, pasar tamu, bazaars, food courts, food trucks, and the likes Recreational fishing, fishing ponds, and commercial fisheries Non-contact sports Outdoor group sports Religious activities, like Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations, and places of worship to open

Travelling abroad Commercial activities that are not conducted within business premises Sports tournaments and close contact sports Water activities Contact sports Pubs, night clubs, entertainment outlets, reflexology and karaoke centres Theme parks Kenduri (thanksgiving) Open houses, religious processions and other activities involving crowds

Permitted businesses

During the RMCO, the majority of social, education, religious and business activities are allowed to reopen in stages with adherence to strict standard operating procedures (SOP). Hair and beauty salons, open markets, food courts, food trucks and food stalls will be allowed to operate as normal as well.

Filming, indoor busking, museum visits, self-service dobi, recreational fishing and photography will also be permitted during this time.

Besides that, the government allows Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations and Qurban activities to take place but organisers are obligated to enforce and follow strict SOPs.

Although many operations are allowed to operate again during the RMCO, there are some activities that are still prohibited such as large gatherings, reflexology centres, karaoke centres, theme parks, pubs, clubs and nightclubs.

Interstate travel allowed

The government is lifting restrictions on interstate travel and domestic tourism activities will be allowed to resume during the RMCO except for areas that are placed under the Enhanced Movement Control order (EMCO). International travel is still not permitted as our borders are still closed. This means that families will be able to travel domestically but must practice the new normal way of life.

Sports and recreational activities

There are a number of sports and recreational activities that will be allowed during RMCO. Activities such as bowling, archery, and badminton are permissible so is group outdoor activities like cycling and motorcycle convoys are acceptable. However close contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, wrestling, and rugby are still prohibited as well as activities that involve a large gathering of spectators such as at the stadium and swimming pool. Gyms, sports complexes, and badminton halls will be able to resume operations starting 15 June 2020.

Public schools to reopen

The Ministry of Education has announced that public schools in Malaysia will reopen starting from Wednesday, 24th June 2020. However, it is limited to students that are taking public exams this year.

According to Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, students who are taking Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) are allowed to resume classes. International students who are undergoing equivalent exams are also permitted to resume classes. For the remaining classes, it will be reopened in stages and will be announced at a later time.

Quarantine and MySejahtera app

Malaysians returning from overseas do not have to be quarantined at designated quarantine centres, instead they will have to do a swab test upon landing and those who are tested positive will be sent to the hospital and the ones tested negative are required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days.

On top of that, they are required to download the MySejahtera application and wear the quarantine wristbands for identification purposes. Their movements will be monitored through the application.

The MySejahtera app can also be used to assess your health and well-being. Moreover, the app also helps health authorities to take quick and efficient action to inform close contacts if there is an infection.

Normalisation phase

The Prime Minister reminded everyone to wear a face mask, ensure social distancing and frequently wash their hands with soap or use hand sanitisers. If everyone remains cautious and disciplined, this will help to contain the spread of the virus and hopefully Malaysia will enter the normalisation phase after 31st August 2020.

For the latest information, please visit the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Health. 

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