The period will see several major Malaysian celebrations that usually involve the movement of people, namely Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day.
However, under the CMCO, Muhyiddin stressed that the restrictions on interstate travel still apply.
"I know a lot of people are sad that they are unable to 'balik kampung' to celebrate Hari Raya with their families. Be patient. When the situation gets a bit better, you can go back to your hometown to visit your parents and relatives," he said during a televised national address today.
"Although we have made many positive progress in the fight against Covid-19, our efforts have not been completely successful. Further steps still need to be taken to combat this outbreak. In terms of public opinion, I also find that most of the rakyat want the government to continue to take appropriate measures to combat the outbreak," he said.
The decision was made after being advised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Security Council (NSC), he said.
During the extended period, Muhyiddin said, visitations among neighbours and family members living in the same state are allowed, with any gatherings to be capped at 20 people at a time.
Nevertheless, he reminded Malaysians to comply with the health standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided by the MoH, such as social distancing, wearing face masks and practising personal hygiene routines by using hand sanitiser during this festive season.
Only four districts out of 1,178 across country still in red zones
According to Muhyiddin, out of the 1,178 districts across the country, 1,112 or 94.4% have now been categorised as green zones, whereas 62 or 5.2% are considered yellow zones. As such, there are only four red zones left or 0.34% of the total districts. A red zone is an area that has recorded over 40 infections.
The four red zone areas are: Mukim Batu, Gombak, Selangor; Zon Batu, Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur; Zon Kampung Baharu, Mukim Bandar, Kuala Lumpur; and Mukim Pedas, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan.
"For residents of these areas, I advise you to be more careful when leaving the house. Practise social distancing. Wear face masks. Always wash your hands. If possible, reduce outside activities.
"For the people outside of these areas, my first advice is not to visit these areas for now. It's best to avoid being exposed to the Covid-19 outbreak," he said, adding that people in green zone areas should still practise standard health precautions.
During the MCO extension period, Muhyiddin said the government will continue to monitor the progress of the outbreak.
"So, the next few weeks are quite critical to us. The results of the implementation of the CMCO can only be seen in a few weeks' time.
"Therefore, I would like to appeal to everyone to comply with the SOPs that have been set by the government. It's not that difficult. It's simple," he added.
See also:
Malaysia reports 67 new Covid-19 infections today, again mostly among foreigners
MoH aims to lower daily new Covid-19 infections to single-digit in two weeks
Out of 24,125 foreigners screened so far, 4.7% found positive — MoH
PJ Old Town and surrounding areas placed under EMCO, some 2,900 residents affected
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