FAQ’s on the Movement Control Order
March 17, 2020
- Name of Order
Movement Control Order.
 - Timeframe
This Order Period shall be effective from 18 – 31 March 2020.
 - Order Coverage Area
This order applies throughout Malaysia.
 - Law Enforcement
This Order is based on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967.
 - Instructions in the Movement Control Order
There are 6 instructions contained in this Movement Control Order
i. A comprehensive prohibition of mass movements and gatherings including religious, sports, social and cultural activities;
ii. All restrictions on all Malaysians traveling abroad;
iii. Restrictions on entry of all foreign tourists and visitors into the country;
iv. Closing of all State, Government and Private Schools and other primary, secondary and pre-university institutions;
v. Closing of all Public and Private Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT) and Skills Training Institutes nationwide; and
vi. Closing of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services.
 - Can the Celebrations of Weddings or the like be held?
Wedding ceremonies can be performed without involving the public. For the Reception and other ceremonies, it is advisable to postpone until the issue of COVID-19 in Malaysia ends.
 - Does the Movement Control Order have a set period of time between 18 – 31/3/2020?
No. This order is effective at all times without a specific period of time.
 - If necessary items run out, is it possible to go out and buy more?
Yes.
 - I am a Malaysian citizen and my husband is a UK citizen. Are we allowed to return to Malaysia during this period?
Yes, provided the couple can prove the validity of the marriage either registered with the Government of Malaysia or the Government of the home country. Couples need to perform a health examination and voluntary quarantine (self-quarantine) to reduce the likelihood of infection or spreading the infection to others.
 - My son is a student at a foreign institution. Is he allowed to return to Malaysia?
Allowed. Any Malaysian who is abroad can return home during this period. However, the individual must perform health checks and self-quarantine to reduce the risk of infection or spread the infection to others.
 - I am a long-term pass holder in Malaysia and have returned to my home country before the Order was issued. Am I allowed to return to Malaysia for work purposes during this restriction period?
Only foreign migrants working in the country’s essential services sector are allowed to return to Malaysia during this period. The foreign migrants must obtain a letter of confirmation from their respective employers and must be forwarded to the Malaysian Immigration Department at the entrance.
 - I work in Singapore. Am I allowed to commute to the Singapore office?
No. The Movement Control Order applies to all individuals within the country. In this regard, on the basis of community safety, any person who works in a neighboring country but lives in Malaysia is not allowed to go in and out on a daily basis and is asked to inform his or her employer on this matter.
 - I have made plans for a vacation in Malaysia and have made payment. Can I still go on my vacation?
Under the Movement Control Order, the public is prohibited to go anywhere including a resort for social activities and if the visit does not involve matters of national importance. You are advised not to continue your vacation.
 - Can I drive to the airport to pick up a friend who has just returned from abroad or a relative working in the country’s important services sector?
To get to one place quickly and simply is allowed under the Movement Control Order.
 - Do schools need to have replacement classes?
No need.
 - Are classes and all activities involving public and private HEIs and Skills Training Institutes subject to the Movement Control Command?
Yes. - What about students staying in public and private HEIs facilities especially overseas students?
All public and private HEIs should be directed back to their respective homes during the duration of the Movement Control Order. Overseas students are advised to return home during this period. Students returning to their home countries are not allowed to return to Malaysia as long as the Movement Control is in force. Foreign students who decide to stay in the country and stay in public and private HEIs facilities must report to the management of the HEIs and subject to the applicable Law.
 - Can a convenience store such as a fast food, restaurant or hawker centre remain open?
Food stores can be open but only for take-away food or through delivery services by specific companies such as Grab Food or Food Panda.
 - Can public transport such as Bus, LRT, MRT, KTM operate?
All public transport services are to continue during this period.
 - I paid for my stay at the hotel for vacation before the Movement Control Order was announced. Can I have my money returned?
Members of the public are encouraged to speak directly with the hotel on the matter of refund of a booking made prior to the Order being announced.
 - In the event of death at home (not a Covid-19 patient), are funeral prayers and tahlil allowed?
They can only be carried out with the closest relatives of the deceased and the with the mosque / surau. Only funeral prayers can be conducted without tahlil.
Malaysian National Security Council Â
2.10 PM | March 17, 2020
Hamzah Nazari
TRP's Head of Editorial, Hamzah was formerly a hard-news journalist who reported on politics, did investigative work, and occasionally went undercover. He now spends his days sitting at a desk, checking grammar and fielding calls from PR companies, which is totally fine and fulfilling. For sure. He's also married with kids now so his wife and mother said he can't do risky things anymore.