KUALA LUMPUR: Public reaction to the movement control order to curb the spread of COVID-19 was mixed but generally, it was welcomed and considered reasonable.
According to a Ministry of Health’s Facebook poll, as at 12.30 p.m., 97 per cent from 113,000 people agreed with the government’s move to enforce the order from March 18-31.
Netizens also discussed the definition of the order and some gave their views.
Twitter user, @iamshahmi wrote: “Perintah Berkurung = Lockdown, Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan = Restricted Movement. Which means you can go around buying your groceries, go to work if you are part of essential services, and try to limit where you are going. Not just stay at home for two weeks. There’s a huge difference.“
Another Twitter user, @mkhairulazri, wrote: “It’s official. The Prime Minister’s Office has clarified that the announcement made by TS Muhyiddin earlier does not constitute a lockdown; it is effectively a MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER.“
@ahkamdan said: “I think the MOH needs to give more insight on the matter so that people can see what should and should not be done during the duration of the movement control order (for example mass migration that will happen when people return to their home towns).
Meanwhile, social media user, Hness Ls in her comment on the MOH’s official Facebook page said the government had taken the necessary steps to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“Right now, the public has to take the responsibility to cooperate…please stay safe, practice social distancing, if not the only next step to curb (the disease) is to completely lockdown (perintah berkurung). The suggestion is to implement checkpoints or roadblocks to ensure the movement control order is not in vain,” she said.
Facebook user, Audrey Lim Lee wrote: “Frankly, I doubt Malaysian(s) will obey this, too many with ‘tidak apa’ (couldn’t be bothered) attitude and don’t see the importance of it!! Must lockdown, then they can behave 100%.”
Another Facebook account owner, Nasru Nor Asma, hoped that the authorities will control the purchase of face mask and hand sanitisers which are currently in high demand.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced that Malaysia will impose a movement control order nationwide from March 18 to 31 to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The cumulative number of positive cases in the country increased to 553 cases when 125 new cases were reported yesterday.
— BERNAMA
