Border control measures should continue to be tightened even after the Movement Control Order (MCO) is lifted, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today.
This is crucial as more than 180 countries had recorded positive COVID-19 cases as of today, he said.
"I think that's the most important… especially when you look into more cases that have been identified in other countries.
"Lifting MCO doesn't mean we are going to lift the border control; in fact, we need to strengthen it," he said in his daily press conference on COVID-19 here.
Apart from border control, movement control, capability of the country’s healthcare system, ability to protect high-risk groups, practising the new normal, and implementing preventive measures in the community have been identified as the criteria that should be met before the government can lift the MCO.
Dr Noor Hisham said the issue of local transmission should also be addressed comprehensively before any advice to lift or ease the MCO could be made after phase three ends on Tuesday.
"For the last couple of days we are looking into double digits (new positive cases); that is good. But I'd like to draw attention to today (where) we have 71 cases, with 19 being imported cases, which means 52 are from local transmission.
"Out of that, 22 involved foreign workers from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan from Selangor Mansion. So again, we need to really look into local transmission as well when we are looking into lifting the MCO," he said.
On whether the MCO is safe to be lifted or eased after phase three, Dr Noor Hisham said he met Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today and would meet him again in a couple of days to discuss the matter further.
"Today, we discussed the principles. Now we need the facts and science behind it before we can table concrete evidence on whether we should extend it or not," he said.
However, Dr Noor Hisham stressed that the MCO should not be lifted totally, saying it should be done 'slowly but surely' by way of 'soft landing'.
"Maybe we are looking into whether we can allow the economic sector to take off first, whereby the social and education sectors have to wait a little bit longer… it may take a couple of weeks or even months for us to slowly continue to embrace the new norms in our life," he said.
Meanwhile, when commenting on the Sarawak government’s decision to allow food traders to sell at their residence, he said all states needed to abide by the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
He said it was important to follow the guidelines so as to avoid any form of gatherings.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Apr 23 2020
Dr Noor Hisham stressed that the MCO should not be lifted totally, saying it should be done 'slowly but surely' by way of 'soft landing'. - Filepic/BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.