MCO Phase 4 allows two from a family to come out to buy necessities

The fourth phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) allows two members of a family to go out to buy groceries, food or medicine.

The authorization is based on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Area) 2020 under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, which was updated and gazetted on Tuesday (April 28).

The new rules were also posted on the Federal Gazette website under the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, which goes into effect from today until May 12.

Terms of movement signed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said someone who goes out to buy necessities can be accompanied by another family member living in the same house.

"He can be joined by a family member living in the same house," Senior Minister (Defence Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said at a MCO daily press conference here today.

Ismail Sabri also announced a movement not exceeding 10km radius was also eased for individuals seeking access to food and medical services.

However, they still cannot move more than 10km from their residence.

The fourth phase of the MCO begins today and ends on May 12.

The MCO came into force on March 18, and the rules governing all businesses and services deemed to be of minor importance were ordered closed.

People cannot leave their homes except for permissible reasons such as buying groceries within a radius of 10km, aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.