MCO 3.0 In KL Likely Targeted In Localities With High COVID-19 Cases; Ismail Sabri Expected To Hold Press Conference Soon

MCO 3.0 likely targeted in states with rising cases

Just when it seemed like the Movement Control Order (MCO) 2.0 could be lifted in all Malaysia states, the rising number of COVID-19 cases nationwide in recent days has put a damper on these plans. In fact, another round of MCO – dubbed MCO 3.0 – has become much-talked about in the past couple of days.

Yesterday, 3rd May 2021, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa was quoted saying that implementing the MCO in specific areas in KL will help curb COVID-19. Likewise, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is said to be holding a press conference today, 4th May, around 5PM after speculations that there might be another round of the MCO in several states.

Areas in KL may undergo targeted MCO

Authorities held a meeting yesterday to discuss a possible revision of the MCO in states recording high numbers of daily COVID-19 cases, including KL, Selangor, Penang, Johor and Sarawak.

Following the meeting, Annuar Musa was quoted by Bernama saying that several state governments are in support of implementing MCO 3.0 to help contain the spread of COVID-19. However, he did not specify which were the states in particular.

Targeted MCO in KL localities - cases Cases by states in Peninsular Malaysia
Image credit: @KKMalaysia

On the matter of a return of the MCO in KL, he identified localities, or areas and places, in KL that are seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases. Instead of a large-scale MCO that would cover the whole state, he cited that it would be “appropriate” for these localities to undergo a new targeted MCO instead.

A previous mention of the term “targeted MCO” by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was used to refer to MCOs that are placed on specific areas or places to tackle clusters there, as reported by The Straits Times. This lets businesses and more in certain areas and states that are recording low number of cases to continue to operate as usual, making it less straining on businesses and the economy.

Press conference expected today

Likewise, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to hold a press conference around 5PM today, as reported by Malay Mail on 4th May.

However, it is not stated what topics the press conference will address.

But the timing of this press conference follows after rampant speculation on MCO 3.0 that he had initially denied, and later said that a decision to implement the MCO will only be made after discussions have been held.

Targeted MCO in the talks for KL

Many of us have been holding onto our seats as rumours on the return of the MCO in states with rising COVID-19 cases circulate around on the Internet. While we wait for a press conference later today, we are all reminded not to resort to panic buying as we have been through several rounds of the MCO now, and should be able to make wiser choices while shopping for essentials.