KUALA LUMPUR: The Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0), which was scheduled to end on Feb 4, will be extended to Feb 18.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said all states, except for Sarawak, will come under the MCO.
He said interstate travel has been barred for the next phase of the MCO.
"Interstate travel is not allowed. When we opened the borders previously, it had led to an increase in positive Covid-19 cases.
"Up to 31 clusters linked to interstate travel emerged after that.
"That is why we stress that interstate travel is not allowed. Roadblocks mounted by the enforcement agencies are aimed at reducing people's movement.
"Another SOP that will apply is to limit the number of patrons in supermarkets," he said in a press conference today.
Ismail Sabri added that the extended MCO 2.0 will differ from the MCO implemented last year, as some restrictions will be loosened, especially in several economic sectors, including petty businesses.
"We are aware that if we shut it down totally, it will cause hardship to the people, especially the poor, B40 group, or those earning daily wages.
"Based on these factors, we will loosen the restrictions to enable them to conduct businesses.
"In the economic sector, when we closed it completely, the nation lost RM2.4 billion daily and this impacted our economy.
"However, we hope the rakyat will continue to abide by the standard operating procedures. As we can see today, cases are still high and the virus is still around us.
"If there is no need to leave home, it is better to stay in," he said.