KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to implement the Movement Control Order (MCO) although it is an option to contain the spread of Covid-19 which recorded a surge in several parts of the country.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said the national crisis management mechanism has proven successful to prevent the spread of the virus from escalating.
The mechanism, he added, has also helped prevent healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases.
"Although a 'total lockdown' can be considered, there is no need to implement such measures since we are in the recovery and 'exit policy' phase," he told the House today.
Redzuan was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Barisan Nasional-Arau), who asked the government to state the reason why it has yet to implement the MCO or 'lockdown' although the increase in Covid-19 cases is quite critical especially in Sabah and a few areas categorized as red zonea in the peninsula.
"If a total 'lockdown' is implemented, it will have a negative impact on the mental health (of the people) as well as the economy (of the country).
"The government is more prone towards implementing a balance-type of controls (between containing the virus and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods).
"This includes educating the people to embrace the new normal such as exercising physical distancing and practising good hygiene such as cleaning hands frequently using soap or sanitizer," he said.
For Sabah, he said, the government has implemented the Conditional MCO throughout the state from Oct 13 until 26 which was extended until Nov 9.
He said the measures had enabled the Health Ministry to carry out screening and close contact tracing as well as providing necessary treatment to contain the outbreak.
"The decision to implement CMCO is to enable economic activities to continue operating in the area.
"This will a create a balance between the need to protect the people from getting infected by the virus and generate the economy," he said.