Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the conditional movement control order (MCO) has been extended from May 12 to June 9.

In a live telecast address, Muhyiddin (above) said the current conditional MCO restrictions, which among others allow for operations of certain economic sectors, will remain in place for the four week period.

"On the advice of the Health Ministry and the National Security Council, I would like to announce that the conditional MCO effective until May 12, will be extended until June 9 or another four weeks," he said.

Muhyiddin said while the government has seen positive developments in its fight against Covid-19, it has yet to fully succeed.

"Measures are still needed to combat this pandemic.

"I also find that the majority want the government to continue to take the appropriate measures in fighting it," he said.

With the conditional MCO's extension, restrictions such as no interstate travel or gatherings remain in place, he said. 

Under the existing conditional MCO, some businesses are also not allowed to operate, such as hair salons.

"Any changes to the rules, standard operating procedure (SOP), or the list of sectors that are allowed to operate will be announced later," he said.

The government began winding down the restrictions on May 4 by modifying the MCO into a "conditional MCO".

Most businesses reopened with strict social distancing measures while recreational activities that do not involve groups were also allowed.

The MCO was initially supposed to last two weeks but saw three extensions until May 12.

The number of Covid-19 cases had spiralled shortly before the MCO with three-digit new cases daily.

However, the MCO has allowed the Health Ministry to bring the pandemic under control with two-digit cases daily.

The country recorded 54 new cases in the last 24 hours up to noon yesterday. The highest number of cases was recorded on March 26, at 235.

To date, Malaysia recorded a total of 6,589 Covid-19 cases with 108 deaths.

However, 74.8 percent of patients or 4,929 have since recovered. There are 1,552 patients still in treatment.

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