CORONAVIRUS | Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in a live address tonight, spent the most part of his speech trying to convince Malaysians to stay home during the two-week movement control order which came into force today.

"I say this because many people returned to their hometowns last night. There is nothing wrong with going back to your hometown, but I saw highways congested with vehicles heading north, south, east and west.

“Bus stations were also packed with people wanting to return to their hometowns. Thousands of you. I was afraid of just looking at the crowds.

"Therefore, I would like to appeal to you, please, stay put where you are," he said.

Muhyiddin also explained at length the purpose of the movement control order which he first announced on Monday night.

He warned that if the measure, intended to curb the spread of Covid-19, fails, the movement control order could be extended beyond March 31.

"If you have plans to return to your hometown, cancel them. Go back another time. I ask for your help for just the two weeks.

"The government hopes that after two weeks, those with symptoms can be isolated for treatment and Malaysia can be free from Covid-19," he said, noting that the incubation period for Covid-19 is normally around two weeks.

"If we do not succeed during this time, the government may be forced to extend the control order. Maybe for another two weeks or even longer than that," he added.

As such, Muhyiddin said it was of utmost importance for everyone to ensure that they and their families are not exposed to the virus by staying home.

Throughout his speech, Muhyiddin told Malaysian to stay home at least five times.

He pointed out that the government was not happy with the number of Covid-19 cases that increased to 790 today.

He said the movement control order, which saw all non-essential businesses and services closed, was ordered because Malaysians do not need to be in crowded places such as on trains, buses, canteen, eateries and schools that could expose them to Covid-19.

"The purpose is not for you to return to your hometowns, to attend kenduris, to shop at supermarkets, take a stroll in parks or go on a holiday. No.

"The intention is for you to stay home. Stay at home and protect yourself and your family," he said.

He added that people who need to leave their homes to go to the market should take the utmost precaution.

For food, he said they can still do takeouts but it would be better if they stuck with food delivery services.

"Do not use these two weeks to loiter at mamak stalls. I like doing that too but we can’t do this now. Please don’t do this. If you do this, you will definitely increase the risk of spreading the virus to all of us. 

"Avoid hanging out with friends at restaurants, kopitiams, entertainment centres or any place where you could be exposed to Covid-19," he said.

Muhyiddin said while the little things asked of Malaysians during the Covid-19 outbreak may seem small, but they will make a big difference in the fight against the virus.

"As prime minister, I have a major responsibility in handling this crisis plaguing our country. But I cannot do this duty alone. I need the support of everyone.

"I need the support of doctors, nurses, police, public servants, private-sector workers, university students and you, in order to contain the Covid-19 from spreading in our country.

"God willing, with your support, solidarity and patience, I pray that we will succeed in overcoming this crisis," he said.

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