Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Civil Defence
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Adapting or closing offices, businesses, institutions, and operations; Gatherings, businesses, and services
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: Prime Minister
Overview: The movement control order (MCO) began on March 18 and was scheduled to last until March 31, in response to the worsening Covid-19 pandemic. The order entails comprehensive restrictions on movements and public gatherings nationwide including religious, sports, social and cultural activities. It includes a shutdown of houses of worship and business premises, except for supermarkets, public markets and convenience stores. The order is made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967.
Full details here: https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/malaysia-imposes-restricted-movement-order-march-1831-contain-covid19
Other links: 1
Type of Justification: Learning from other jurisdictions, considered a necessary escalation of current measures
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – government
Evidence/Justification: “What we are doing is reasonably similar to Italy’s [measures], but Italy’s were more dramatic and more sudden than Malaysia,” said health systems and policy practitioner Dr Swee Kheng Khor