MCO 2.0 has been in full effect since 13th January. And unfortunately, a lot of our worst predictions are coming true.
It was originally scheduled to end by 4th February. However, it has been extended for another 2 weeks, to 18th February.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated that the extension applies to all states, except Sarawak. The decision was made after the Health Ministry reported that daily cases and infectivity rates were still climbing among both locals and non-Malaysians. “Following this, the National Security Council (NSC) special meeting has agreed to extend the MCO starting from 5th Feb to 18th Feb,” he said in the live broadcast.
Sarawak will be placed under conditional MCO. For the other states, interstate travel is still banned. Operating hours for permitted businesses will remain till 10pm. According to the New Straits Times, NSC will announce more details regarding the tightened SOPs.
With 5,728 cases reported on 30th January, it isn’t surprising that MCO 2.0 has been extended. It looks like Chinese New Year will be celebrated over zoom with loved ones this year!
Sources: The Star, Malay Mail, New Straits Times
