Malaysia Healthcare Chronicles

On 16 March 2020 at 10.00pm local time, the Prime Minister of Malaysia officially declared the Movement Control Order (MCO) under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1998 and the Police Act 196. The MCO was to be carried out in different phases in the hope of curbing the spread of the disease around the nation.

Phase One of the MCO began on 18 March 2020 and was to end on 31 March 2020 with His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah also calling all Malaysians to adhere to the two-week MCO for the betterment of the country. Occupants of the country were required to stay  indoors and restrict their travel. Conditional measures were sanctioned for the acquirement and provision of essential services as well as daily necessities.

Phase One of the MCO was believed to have further impeded the spread of the disease, however, the number of reported cases continued to rise, upon increased testing of suspected COVID-19 patients. Controlling the spread of COVID-19 became an uphill battle for authorities and frontline workers despite the many efforts to instill awareness and practice preventive measures. Gradually, more Malaysians began adhering to the MCO regulations, taking more proactive steps to ensure they remain safe, consequently flattening the curve.

Distribution of COVID-19 cases according to the Movement Control Order.
Source: kpkesihatan.com

We remain optimistic about the future and are slowly adapting to changes such as working from home, practicing better hygiene habits and staying indoors for long hours. Praises and support kept flowing in for our heroic frontline workers confronting COVID-19 head on. Once again, to all the COVID-19 frontline workers, thank you for keeping us safe – We salute our marvelous heroes!


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