KUALA LUMPUR (March 18): As the country imposes the movement control order starting today in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is pleading with Malaysians to stay at home.

"Today is the first day of the movement control order in our country. I just have these simple words to say, 'Please sit at home' and distance yourself from others," he said in his Facebook post today.

Dr Noor Hisham noted that the country has a slim opportunity of cutting the network of Covid-19 infection under the move.

“Please help the Ministry of Health by playing your role as every individual is responsible to take all steps of precaution for their own safety, as well as their family.

“Failure is not an option here. If not, we might face the third wave of the virus, which will be bigger like a tsunami, especially if we have the 'tidak kisah' (don't care) attitude," he added.

"I appeal to all Malaysians, please take the movement control order seriously. Stay home and do not go out."

At press time, Malaysia has recorded 673 confirmed Covid-19 infections, with the first two deaths recorded yesterday in Sarawak and Johor. A total of 49 patients have been cured.