It's all about social distance

In my opinion, the Conditional Movement Control Order, CMCO in Malaysia is a wise decision to prevent more people from losing their jobs, as long as businesses follow the SOP strictly for social distancing. It is a guarded relaxation of the seven-week long lockdown under the ongoing Movement Control Order.

State governments and District Councils cannot prohibit businesses from operating under the CMCO. They also cannot stop people from travelling more than 10 km within the state. And they cannot stop people from jogging, walking, exercising, cycling etc in the parks, as long as social distance is observed.

However, they can campaign aggressively to discourage the public from going out unnecessarily, especially to crowded places.

Also, instead of road-blocks, the police and army can be deployed to patrol and enforce social distance SOP in towns and neighbourhoods.

Finally, for all of us, let us remember to put on our masks when going out, to stay away from crowded places, and to sanitise our hands after touching public facilities.

Minister’s approval needed for state MCO changes