'No need for MCO, we are not in the early stage of Covid-19' - Dr Noor Hisham

SHAH ALAM - Amid rising Covid-19 cases, former Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says there's no immediate need for a Movement Control Order (MCO).

He highlighted that MCOs are more suited for initial outbreak stages, not the current mitigation phase.

Speaking at Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Cakna Series on Covid-19 Policy Chronology, Dr Noor Hisham noted, that the virus is already widespread.

"We're past the initial phase," he said.

He reassured the public, citing widespread vaccination as a buffer against the current surge.

"Self-quarantine for five days if infected, avoid public spaces, wear masks in crowds, and practice regular hand washing," he advised.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad underlined the ministry's strategy: early detection, community empowerment via TRIIS, health facility monitoring, effective risk communication, and digitising health systems with MySejahtera.

He also confirmed there are no plans to reinstate MCO or other restrictions.

Dr Dzulkefly reported a 62.2 per cent increase in new cases during the 50th epidemiological week, primarily mild categories 1 and 2.

Of these, 97.1 per cent were locals, 2.9 per cent non-nationals, and 19 imported cases.

Intensive care units are treating 151 cases, with 96 on respiratory support and 28 deaths recorded.

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said that over 80 per cent of vaccination coverage has effectively established herd immunity in Malaysia.