In a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19, Malaysia has issued a Restricted Movement Order that appears to be a form of social distancing, eliminating non-essential movements in the community. However, the country has taken a much stricter stance on travel: a blanket ban on all travel in and out of the country.

In a televised speech, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that this was necessary to contain the spread of the virus. “We cannot wait any longer until the situation becomes worse. Drastic measures must be taken immediately to stop the spread of this virus by limiting mass movements,” he said.

The Restricted Movement Order will commence from 18 March and will last until 31 March 2020. During this period, all Malaysians are barred from travelling abroad, while those who have just returned must undergo health screenings and then undergo a 14-day self quarantine.

On top of that, all foreign visitors will be denied entry into Malaysia. The strict travel restrictions are designed to ensure the virus is contained within the country, and no visitors who may carry the virus infect new clusters within the community.

The travel restriction is one of six measures under the Restricted Movement Order. To date, Malaysia has 553 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 190 confirmed cases recorded yesterday alone, prompting the Government to finally take action.

If you have any travel plans outside the country during the Restricted Movement Order, contact your airline and accommodation provider to seek either a refund or to reschedule your travel plans. Airlines around the world have relaxed their usually strict refund policies in light of the global spread of Covid-19, including Malaysia Airlines which introduced its Ultimate Flexibility policy that offers unlimited flight date and destination changes.

• TAGS:
• Covid-19
• Restricted Movement Order
• Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin