• The lockdown will take effect for two weeks from March 18, with all businesses shut except shops selling food and daily necessities
• Malaysians will be barred from travelling overseas, while mass gatherings across the country have been prohibited
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin arrives for a press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Photo: EPA
Malaysia has announced restrictions on movement for two weeks from March 18, barring its citizens from travelling overseas and shutting all businesses except shops selling food and daily necessities, in a drastic move to stem a surge in coronavirus infections.
In a live address on Monday evening, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the Movement Control Order would be in effect until March 31.
“The government views this situation seriously, especially with the development of the second wave [of infections],” he said.
“We can’t wait any longer for things to get worse. Drastic action should be taken immediately to prevent the spread of the disease by limiting public movement. This is the only way we can prevent more people from being infected by the outbreaks that can destroy lives.”
The lockdown is similar in effect to that imposed by Italy, with mass movements and gatherings across the country prohibited, including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.
To enforce this, all houses of worship and business premises must be closed except for supermarkets, public markets, convenience stores and convenience stores selling everyday necessities. All religious activities in mosques will be suspended, Muhyiddin said, including Friday prayers.
The prime minster also said all Malaysians who had just returned from overseas were required to undergo a health check and self quarantine for 14 days. Restrictions have also been imposed on the entry of tourists to Malaysia, but foreigners will be allowed to leave the country.
Full story at https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3075456/coronavirus-malaysias-prime-minister-muhyiddin-yassin
Muhyiddin expected to announce economic stimulus package today
CORONAVIRUS | The movement control order (MCO), which has been extended to April 14, enters its 10th day today and attention will definitely be on the announcement by the government of a more comprehensive economic stimulus package to face the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The announcement, which will be made by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin at 3pm today, is expected to benefit all levels of society.
In his special message broadcast over television and the social media two days ago, Muhyiddin said the package will not sideline anyone.
“Whether you are a taxi driver, a Grab driver, farmer, restaurant operator, nasi lemak seller, goreng pisang seller, burger seller or daily worker, the government will try its best to ensure that everyone benefits,” Muhyiddin said.
More at https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/517080
This new Malaysian PM's resolve to break the infection chain makes Pinky look like a pussycat. Oh wait everyone already knows he is one.
Lockdown in Malaysia extended to 14 April 2020:
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3076890/coronavirus-malaysia-extends-lockdown-april-14-pm
Mudlanders take note: if you don't stay at home, this police mei mei will come arrest your ass!
Muhyiddin making big announcement later today!
Supermarket run continues today at NTUC Finest (Marine Parade).
Mothership: S’pore restaurant group threatens to fire M’sia staff if they do not find accommodation by Apr. 2020
In a letter issued on Mar. 16, Creative Eateries gave its Malaysia-based employees an ultimatum: Either secure accommodation in Singapore by Mar. 31, 2020, or face the possibility of losing their jobs.
Creative Eateries owns an extensive portfolio of restaurants in Singapore, including Bangkok Jam, Suki-Ya, and Hot Stones, as well as catering services.
The company required its Malaysia-based employees to secure accommodation in Singapore “at least till the end of the year” and cease their daily commute across the border.
These employees were also required to show proof of their newly-made living arrangements.
Creative Eateries said that should employees be unable to report for work due to border control, the company has the right to cease their employment immediately and cancel their work permit.
Any related absence at work will also be considered unpaid leave.
Furthermore, the employees in question should inform the human resource department of their decision by Mar. 20, or the company will “find [their] replacement immediately”.
Here is the letter, sent by a Mothership reader:
More at https://mothership.sg/2020/03/creative-eateries-lockdown-fire-malaysia-staff/
Wah mudlanders say negative things about us Sinkies, one even asserted the SG economy would have gone kaput if not for them!
Sinkie couple posted on IG offering to put up mudlanders for free at their house:
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/znews/singapore/story20200319-1038406
在一间教育咨询机构当运营总监的张伟祥（37岁）今早（3月19日）在Instagram账号说有免费房间可以出让给马国员工。
“在服务业工作，受这次锁国影响的马来西亚朋友们，我们一家三口很高兴收留你们。有需要的人可以给我和太太发私讯，我们会为你做安排。”
德士、私召车每天获补贴$20至5月13日，以协助受疫情影响的司机。
外劳若被隔离，每人每天获补贴$100，为期14天。
受马来西亚锁国影响的马劳，每名员工可获政府补贴每晚$50，为期两周。 口口声声说要为人民服务，以人民的利益为先，实际上照顾外人的福利比自家公民来得更加优厚。这就是大多数人选出来的政府，执政行动党！
Legal betting in bolehland also suspended for now.
Sinkies holidaying in Malaysia are forced to check out of hotels!
SGAG posted this childish shit on Twitter and got whacked by netizens big time.
NTUC has once again imposed restrictions on purchases surrounding daily essential items.
Supermarket run part 2 lai liao!!!!! Idiots have struck again!!!!!!
Only this jiuhu zeh zeh is welcome, everyone else please scram back to bolehland!
Does Ah Loong have the iron in him to follow suit and impose a lockdown here to protect us Sinkies?