Malaysian Government To End Cmco In Several States

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Following the reduction of COVID-19 infection cases in several states, the Malaysian government today decided to end the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in most states. Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move was done after considering the current and expected impact on the economic recovery if CMCO is extended. “The country is expected to suffer a GDP loss of RM300 million a day if CMCO is continued and this will result in a decline in the labour market and household spending, investment uncertainty, permanent job loss, business closure and other effects either directly or indirectly. "Therefore, the government needs to consider all aspects in formulating any approach to create a balance between maintaining public health and impact on the economy," he told a press conference here Saturday. Meanwhile, on the details of SOP violations, Ismail Sabri said police arrested 491 individuals yesterday. From the total, he said 437 were issued compounds while 54 were remanded. On Op Benteng, Ismail Sabri said 116 immigrants were detained while one boat and one vehicle were confiscated in operations conducted throughout the country. “Since from July 24 to Dec 4, 81,513 individuals have returned home via international checkpoints,” he said. He said from the total, 11,324 individuals are undergoing the mandatory quarantine at 78 hotels and 17 public training institutes and private educational institutions nationwide. According to him, 509 individuals were sent to hospitals for treatment while 69,680 individuals were allowed to return home, he said. -- BERNAMA