2020

On 16 March 2020, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has declared a Movement Control Order which subjects the entire country to certain restrictions in movement in response to the rising cases of the coronavirus or COVID-19 in Malaysia. This order will come into effect from 18 to 31 March 2020.

The order outlines six restrictions made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, which include restrictions on the entry of all tourists and foreign visitors into the country throughout the containment period. The order also provides that all Malaysians who have returned from overseas travel are required to undergo a health check and impose a self-quarantine for a period of 14 days.

Tourism Malaysia is committed in working together with the tourism industry players and relevant organisations, under the guidance of the Ministry of Health to make sure that tourists are informed on the latest updates on COVID-19 related to the tourism industry. While we strive to ensure the excellence of the tourism sector in Malaysia, we recognise that the health and safety of people is of utmost priority.

We appreciate your interest in Malaysia and your kind understanding in this difficult time. We hope that any visitors planning to visit Malaysia in this month and the near future can seek for information and advice from their carriers and agents.

We look forward to welcoming you with the hope that these troubled times will pass soon.

Stay safe, stay positive.

Below is the excerpt of the Movement Control Order as delivered by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia on 16 March 2020 that has been translated into English:

Movement Control Order
Effective: 18/3/2020 – 31/3/2020

This control order is made under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967. This Movement Control Oder includes:

• General prohibition of mass movements and gatherings across the country including religious, sports, social and cultural activities. To enforce this prohibition, all houses of worship and business premises should be closed, except for supermarkets, public markets, grocery stores and convenience stores selling everyday necessities. Specifically for Muslims, the adjournment of all religious activities in mosques including Friday prayers is in line with the decision of the Special Committee Meeting (Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Muzakarah Khas) on March 15, 2020;
• Sanctions cover all Malaysians traveling abroad. For those who have just returned from overseas, they are required to undergo a health check and impose self-quarantine for 14 days;
  
  
• Restrictions on the entry of all tourists and foreign visitors into the country;
  
  
• Closure of all kindergartens, government and private schools including daily schools, boarding schools, international schools, tahfiz centres, and other primary, secondary and pre-university institutions;
  
  
• Closure of all public and private higher education institutions (IPTs) and skills training institutes nationwide;
  
  
• Closure of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services (water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas, fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, health, pharmacy, fire, prison, port, airport, safety, defense, cleaning, retail and food supply).