A surge in COVID-19 cases: No nationwide lockdown, only targeted MCO

By: Haseena Syazlin

Ismail Sabri said the targeted MCO could be enforced following the HIDE system | Photo from: Google

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 MAY 2021: Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government is not planning to implement nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) but will proceed with targeted lockdowns in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases.

According to Ismail Sabri, the targeted MCO is more relevant and will be implemented depending on the number of rising cases in particular areas and localities.

“We will start with the EMCO involving villages at a small-scale followed by localities and when the cases continue to spike then the EMCO will involve the entire district. Then, if there are too many areas which fall into the lockdown category, the government will impose the MCO at high-risk areas,” he said at a media conference after opening a Bailey Compact 100 bridge at Kampung Sungai Putat today.

The targeted MCO could also be imposed in accordance with the Hotspots Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system, which would identify areas with high COVID-19 outbreak cases (hotspots).

"It will be able to identify list of COVID-19 hotspots and allow the public to plan their movements in order to prevent contracting the COVID-19 virus. HIDE displays areas potential to contribute to a cluster outbreak if proactive intervention is not implemented," he said.

Ismail Sabri stated that the Technical Committee of the National Security Council (MKN) met this morning and discussed the possibility of an MCO during the Aidilfitri celebration, adding that the decision on the matter would be announced by tomorrow at the latest to allow people ample time to be prepared.