PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians should consider imposing self-regulated curfews at their homes during the upcoming Hari Raya period to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the rakyat should celebrate Hari Raya at home, in a closed-door fashion, to protect their families from the threat of the coronavirus.
"We don't have to impose a 24-hour curfew on the two days of Raya celebrations, like Saudi Arabia (has done) because the number of cases is much lower here.
"However, Malaysians can have a self-imposed curfew to limit the number of visitors or family members coming to visit them... although it is unprecedented, but at least it will keep your family protected.
"You can have a curfew in your own homes and not allow any outsider to visit after a certain time," he said at his daily press briefing today.
He was asked to comment on whether the ministry will recommend that the government impose a curfew similar to the one in Saudi Arabia.
Dr Noor Hisham said a self-imposed curfew is a good precautionary measure to protect one's family, especially the elderly, handicapped and those who have comorbidities.
He said children with elderly parents and those living in red zones could also stay back and have video conferencing with their loved ones during Raya, instead of balik kampung and putting elders at risk.
Clarifying on the number of visitors allowed during Raya this year, he said the '20 per home' figure is relative, as the size of each home differs and does not necessarily accommodate 20 people who can keep the one-metre distance.
"One size cannot fit all. Forget about the number 20, because it is relative.
"It is more important that we follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the 3Cs and 3Ws... rest assured we can break the transmission," he said referring to the need to avoid Crowded and Confined areas and Close Conversations.
The 3Ws denote Washing hands regularly, Wearing a mask, and Warning others against bodily contact, including handshakes.
"It is going to be a very unique Raya. But we all have to play a part, and only then can we can break the chain of infection," he said.