Malaysians were nonplussed when Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the movement control order (MCO) on March 16. Soon, scenes of chaos emerged.

Government agencies compounded the confusion with contradictory instructions, inconsistent guidelines and policy reversals.

To be fair, this is the first time the government has imposed a law restricting public movement in response to a global pandemic.

This article aims to guide the public through the MCO labyrinth and would be updated when the need arises.

Interstate travel

A day after the MCO was announced, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador urged the public to fill forms at the nearest police stations to record interstate travel activities.

This was rescinded within hours after huge crowds swarmed police stations while others opted to flee the Klang Valley and return to their hometowns, resulting in gridlocks on highways.

Final answer: As a rule, people can only leave state borders if they have to attend a family funeral or seek medical treatment. Police can use their discretion if the traveller has other reasons.

Students - stay or go?

On the eve of the MCO, some higher education students were told to vacate their hostels or residences at 2pm.

The government then amended the instruction at 7.30pm, stating this was an option. But it was too late as students, worried about access to food, flooded bus stations.

Clarity arrived on March 18 when the government urged local and foreign students to stay put during the control order.

Final answer: Students at higher learning institutions should not leave for their hometowns.

Are M'sians allowed to leave the country for work purposes?

When the MCO was announced, all Malaysians were barred from leaving the country.

This led to a mad dash by Malaysians to Singapore before the borders were closed on March 18. Unable to make arrangements for accommodation, many were forced to sleep rough.

It was only on the third day of the MCO when Putrajaya announced that Malaysians can head to Singapore for work but must remain there until the MCO period is over.

Final answer: You can head to Singapore if you can prove that you work there and have made accommodation arrangements. You can't come back at least until April 14.

Ceiling price of three-ply face masks

Malaysia is facing a shortage of surgical face masks, leading to an export ban and a 150 percent ceiling price increase to RM2 a piece, up from RM0.80.

The new ceiling price was aimed at encouraging imports and incentivising the six local producers to ramp up production.

After this was panned, the government committed to review the ceiling price.

Final answer: The ceiling price stands at RM2, pending a review.

Should people wear masks when they are outside?

From the onset, the Health Ministry has maintained that there was no need for people to wear face masks unless they have flu-like symptoms or are coughing.

However, some local authorities, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), made masks mandatory for those who patronise supermarkets or normal markets.

DBKL even threatened to close premises which failed to comply.

Eventually, DBKL revised the ruling into an advisory after the Health Ministry reiterated its position.

"This is the advice of the ministry. But many wanted to do more and that is beyond our advice," said Health Minister director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Final answer: Only wear face masks if you need to.

Discrepancy in the operation hours of eateries

The initial instruction from the Housing and Local Government Ministry was to allow all eateries - restaurants, hawkers, food trucks and roadside stalls - to continue catering for takeaways.

However, as enforcement came under the jurisdiction of state governments, different rules surfaced.

For example, DBKL initially limited operating hours to between 6am and 10pm. This was later rescinded.

Pahang, Perak and Johor limited operations from 7am to 7pm.

In Selangor, the general rule is that eateries can operate from 6am until midnight, but some local governments such as the Shah Alam City Council want eateries to shut by 5pm.

Final answer: Check with your local authority. Operation hours may differ.

JPJ's on and off again

On March 18, the first day of MCO, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) announced that its service counters would remain open, albeit with reduced hours - from 9am to 1pm.

The next day, JPJ announced that it was shutting down the counters because it could not handle the crowds. Furthermore, it said people were not observing social distancing.

This made matters worse for Pos Malaysia, which is operating with reduced hours, as people thronged their premises to renew their driving licenses. Pos Malaysia, in turn, shut down this service.

By March 23, Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong stressed that JPJ counters had to be closed for public safety and urged people to renew their driving licenses and road tax through online platforms.

Final answer: If your driving license expires during the MCO period, you will be exempted from enforcement. However, do carry your car insurance document with you.

Assault rifles at roadblocks

When soldiers were deployed alongside police personnel to man roadblocks on March 22, people cried foul because the troops were armed with assault rifles.

This was despite the police stating that military personnel would not need to do so.

Final answer: The authorities decided that only a limited amount of rifles would be carried at the roadblocks.

Vague instructions on transport and logistic industry

Despite the National Security Council (NSC) listing the transport industry as the 12th essential services, its guideline failed to elaborate on how the logistic and transport industry would operate during the MCO period.

The Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders (FMFF) said its members were stopped at roadblocks despite having bona fide reasons to be on the road.

FMFF claimed that their members' staff have been asked to produce work travel passes and proof of their Covid-19 health screening.

Unable to handle the "harassment", FMFF said it might advise its members to cease work until the government can approve and facilitate the operations of the logistic industry.

Final answer: The problem with logistics, especially for food, is still being worked out.

Will foreigners receive free Covid-19 screening?

A Health Ministry circular dated Feb 29 stated that free Covid-19 health screening would be provided to both locals and foreigners at public hospitals.

However, on March 24, Muhyiddin said foreigners would need to pay for testing which cost RM700. The statement immediately caused confusion.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah clarified later it was free for everyone, including foreigners.

He said foreigners only need to pay for the screening of other diseases.

Final answer: All foreigners do not have to pay for Covid-19 tests as long as it is done in public hospitals.