Malaysia implements another nationwide lockdown from May 12 to Jun 7

Malaysia will enter its third nation-wide lockdown from May 12 to Jun 7, to combat a third wave of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Under its movement control order (MCO) 3.0, all forms of social gatherings, such as weddings and banquets, as well as house visits and grave visits during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations are banned.

All educational institutions are closed, with exemptions given to students who are undergoing international exams, while dining-in at restaurants will not be allowed. One car can only carry three people, including the driver. 

Work-from-home policy must be implemented and no more than 30 per cent of management staff are allowed at workplaces at any point of time.

Cross-district and interstate travel as well as social, sports and educational activities are banned too. 

The announcement was made by Malaysia Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday (May 10).

The first MCO was announced in March 2020 to curb the spread of the virus in Malaysia. In January this year, all states in Malaysia except for Sarawak, underwent the nationwide lockdown for the second time after the country reported a four-digit daily increase in COVID-19 cases.

Malaysia is currently facing its third wave of pandemic, recording a total of 3,807 cases on Monday, pushing the number of coronaviruses cases in the country to 444,484, with a death toll of 1,700.

With the number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia rising in recent weeks, Mr Muhyiddin advised all Malaysian citizens to “face the third wave with discipline and stay at home unless necessary”.