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RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT ORDER
TO CONTAIN CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 IN MALAYSIA

The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia announced on 16 March 2020 the Restriction of Movement Order to contain the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Malaysia. The Order, which is issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, will be in effect throughout Malaysia from 18 until 31 March 2020.

The Restriction of Movement Order includes the following measures:

First, prohibition on mass movements and gatherings, including for religious, sports, social and cultural purposes. To implement this prohibition, all houses of worship and business premises shall be closed. Exceptions are allowed for supermarkets, public markets, grocery stores and convenience stores selling daily necessities. Specifically for Muslims, all religious activities in mosques and surau, including Friday prayers, shall be suspended.

Second, prohibition on Malaysians from travelling abroad. Malaysians returning from overseas are required to undergo health check and 14 days self-quarantine.

Third, prohibition on entry of tourists and foreign visitors into Malaysia.

Fourth, closure of all kindergartens, government and private schools including day schools, boarding schools, international schools, tahfiz centres and other primary, secondary and pre-university institutions.

Fifth, closure of all public and private higher education institutions and skills training institutes.

Sixth, closure of all government and private premises. Exceptions are allowed for those premises providing essential services namely, water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas, fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, health, pharmacy, fire, prison, port, airport, safety, defence, cleaning, retail and food supply.

This Restriction of Movement Order has become necessary to enable Malaysia to address the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. The measures under the Order are of temporary nature to provide protection to Malaysians and contribute to the on-going global efforts to contain and eliminate Coronavirus COVID-19.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA
17 March 2020