2020

FRIDAY, 24 APRIL 2020

Dear Friends of Malaysia,

Yesterday, the Honourable Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has announced that the Movement Control Order (MCO) shall be extended for another two weeks from 28 April until 12 May 2020 in as special address to Malaysians on the eve of Ramadan. Malaysia is steadily recuperating from covid-19 and the previous week has shown a positive indication where the number of new covid-19 positive cases has reduced to a double-digit number every day.

In addition, the number of recovery cases exceed the number of new covid-19 cases reported daily. On 24 April 2020, we are happy to celebrate the recovery of 121 more patients, tallying the total recovery cases to 3,663 in Malaysia. This brings the rate of patients discharged in Malaysia to 64.4%.In addition, the number of recovery cases exceed the number of new covid-19 cases reported daily. On 24 April 2020, we are happy to celebrate the recovery of 121 more patients, tallying the total recovery cases to 3,663 in Malaysia. This brings the rate of patients discharged in Malaysia to 64.4%.

Today marks the first day of Ramadan in Malaysia. Unlike previous years, 2020 proves to be a challenging year as we adjust to the new norm due to the impact of the unprecedented covid-19.

Under MCO this year, we will have to celebrate Ramadan on a more moderate tone. The Ramadan bazaars that we look forward to each year, are no longer feasible. However, while we cannot browse through the stalls at a bazaar, we are fortunate to be living in a digital age where we can rely on technology to reduce social contact.

New initiatives such as the e-hailing which incorporate Bazaar food and goods available for delivery, make this year’s Ramadan a little bit brighter. Many states in Malaysia also introduce their initiatives to assist local food vendors during Ramadan using e-commerce. For example, Selangor introduces Grab Selangor and Platform Selangor (PLATS) and Negeri Sembilan introduces ‘Waghih Mart’.

We at Tourism Malaysia would like to take this opportunity and wish all Muslims around the world “Ramadan al-Mubarak” and may this blessed month bring joy, happiness and peace in our hearts.

Stay safe.