Given the increasing number of daily COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) has announced a total lockdown. Just like how it was during the first MCO, only essential economic and service sectors will be allowed to operate during the lockdown.

The total lockdown is divided into several phases. The first phase will commence from 1 to 14 June, where only essential economic and service sectors are allowed to operate. These sectors will be outlined by MKN soon.

If the number of daily COVID-19 cases are able to be reduced in the first phase, the second phase will commence. In this phase, certain economic sectors that don’t involve large gatherings – and where physical distancing is possible – will be opened up. This phase will be in effect for a total of four weeks.

Once that’s done, we will enter the third phase, which will be identical to the tightened MCO 3.0. Of course, the decision to move on from one phase to another will be decided by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will prepare financial aid to those who are affected as well – more information on this will be announced in the near future.

The first phase of the total lockdown in Malaysia will take place from 1 to 14 June 2021. As mentioned, the second phase will only commence if the number of daily COVID-19 cases are reduced accordingly.