VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia’s  nearest neighbor, Malaysia, has  taken  an important step to prevent the widespread of the Corona Covid-19 virus. The Malaysian government has officially imposed a national lockdown since Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyidin announced it  live on state television Radio RTM and Bernama TV. The national lockdown is valid until March 31, 2020.

During this time, all business activities and movements in or out of the country are stopped in order to prevent the wider spread of the Corona Covid-19 virus which had taken many lives. The Malaysian government's decision is based on the 1988 and 1967 Laws on infectious diseases. The lockdown order  is expected to reduce the number of infected people.

With the lockdown  order, the Malaysian government has stopped all business activities except supermarkets and grocery stores that sell basic daily necessities. All government and private buildings are closed. Only government offices and those providing important services may operate. Such as banking, transportation, pharmacies, ports and airports as well as food providers.

During the lockdown period the Government of Malaysia banned its citizens from traveling abroad. Likewise, no foreigners, including tourists, are allowed to enter Malaysia. Malaysians returning from overseas must quarantine themselves for 14 days.

The decision of the Malaysian government is considered appropriate to prevent the growing number of  people infected with Covid-19. Malaysia is indeed known as one of the popular destinations visited by many  foreign tourists. During this time, various tourist attractions in the country have drawn many  visitors. Especially foreign tourists, including from Indonesia and other Asian countries.

Lockdown or restrictions on the movement of people, domestically, as well as  in and out Malaysia, of course, has  its  impact on the country's economy. However, in order to protect its citizens from the catastrophe caused by the Corona virus, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyidin finally made the decision.