CINCINNATI–Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Friday the extension of the movement control order (MCO) until April 28, close to the start of Ramadan.
Muhyiddin explained that the decision was in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines that advises against lifting MCOs too early to avoid a reoccurring wave of infections.
The Prime Minister advised Malaysians to brace themselves to face an extended period under restrictions, saying it could go on for several months before authorities are absolutely sure the outbreak is fully contained.
As for the approaching period of Ramadan, Muhyiddin said it would be a month without visiting the regular bazaars and without congregating at the mosques for prayers.
“We might not even be able to return to our hometowns as we usually do,” he said. “Even though it is hard for us to imagine such a situation, but this is the reality that we have to face.”
Ramadan this year runs from April 23 to May 23.
