MCO Not Making A Comeback Amid Rising Mpox Concerns
The decision was made after 6.2 million travellers were tested negative for the virus.
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The Covid-19 pandemic was a global health crisis that profoundly changed the world and people’s perspectives on life.
For several years, Malaysia saw the implementation of various movement control orders (MCO).
Now, a new threat has emerged—the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak.
This virus has affected numerous countries, and as of last week, Singapore reported 15 cases of mpox.
Naturally, the biggest question now is whether the MCO will return. For those concerned about another lockdown, there is no need to worry.
The Health Ministry has no current plans to impose a national lockdown due to the mpox virus.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that this decision was made after 6.2 million travellers tested negative for the virus.
“As a minister, I am always under pressure to improve standard operating procedures. However, rest assured, there will be no MCO,” Dzulkefly said, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
He also urged the public not to become complacent, given the ongoing transmission of the virus. As of the end of last year, Malaysia has reported nine mpox cases.
Although there have been 52 suspected cases to date, all have tested negative, including those screened at international sea, air, and land entry points.
Dzulkefly added that the ministry is prepared to provide antiviral treatment for mpox to high-risk individuals and those with weakened immune systems to prevent the virus from spreading.
READ MORE: Malaysia’s Mpox Situation: Get Familiar With MOH’s 6 Key Steps
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time on 14 August 2024.
The first Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) was declared in July 2022 and ended in May 2023.
The second declaration followed the advice of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee due to the rapid spread of a new mpox strain, clade 1b, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring African countries.
There has been a significant increase in cases in Congo and four East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
READ MORE: WHO Declares Monkey Pox Public Health Emergency, Malaysia Reports 9 Cases To Date
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