KUALA LUMPUR (April 15):  Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has urged the public to comply with the third phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which is from today till April 28 to ensure that the number of COVID-19 infections in Malaysia will continue to go down.

In a statement, he said the first two phases of the MCO — which began on March 18 and April 1 respectively — yielded positive results as daily new infections did not spike, while the number of cured patients continued to rise.

“This shows encouraging progress as a result of the MCO, which can be seen from the daily active cases,” he added.

Thus, the MCO was extended for a second time to enhance the Ministry’s existing efforts to reduce COVID-19 infections through a targeted approach.

However, Noor Hisham noted that based on recent traffic volume and observation by the authorities, more people are flouting the MCO.

The police have reported 12% to 15% more traffic during peak hours in urban areas, likely due to more sectors being allowed to operate.

“Thus, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the National Security Council to take sterner action against those who disobey the rules as this helps to flatten the curve as well as to ensure that the Ministry’s facilities can accommodate the number of COVID-19 patients,” he said.

Yesterday, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) has been executed in Masjid India and its surrounding area that include Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Melaka and Jalan Ampang which took effect from yesterday till April 28.

Ismail Sabri also said the police will no longer issue compounds to those violating the third phase of the nationwide MCO.

Instead, offenders will be immediately arrested and charged in court, adding that 9,090 people were arrested while 4,036 compounds have been issued as of April 13.

The DG also reminded the public to maintain good hygiene and practise social distancing of at least one metre from other individuals.

He added that people who must go to work, especially those in essential services, should avoid crowded and confined spaces.

He also advised them to practise social distancing and ensure that dining areas at their workplace remain clean and frequently-touched areas are disinfected.

Malaysia’s daily recoveries exceed the number of daily cases, with 169 against 85 cases.

This brings the total recovery rate in Malaysia now at 2,647 cases.