Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin warned that Malaysia could extend its heavy travel restrictions beyond the stated end-date of March 31, if Malaysians continued to move around and not stay home.

In a live televised address on March 18, Muhyiddin said that despite the restrictions announced on March 16, which included cancelling mass gatherings and shutting down most private and public places, many Malaysians were still returning to their hometowns.

"Just stay at home," he said in English. "And protect your family, and yourself."

He urged Malaysians to remain where they were and not "balik kampung" or return to their family homes for the duration of the restrictions.

"We want to break the chain of infection of this virus," he added, also in English.

Travel restrictions may be extended

According to Malaysiakini, Muhyiddin noted that the initial order lasts for two weeks, which is the incubation period for Covid-19.

He said his government hopes to isolate those displaying symptoms of the virus after the two-week period to treat them.

However, if Malaysians persisted in moving around, the restrictions may be extended beyond then.

Stated Muhyiddin: "If we do not succeed during this time, the government may be forced to extend the control order."

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Top image from New Straits Times YouTube Channel.