PM to address nation tonight on COVID-19 after National Security Council meeting

KUALA LUMPUR (March16): The COVID-19 outbreak has now come under the purview of the National Security Council (MKN), said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pictured).

At a press conference today, Muhyiddin said all ministries and relevant agencies will have a meeting this evening, to be followed by live broadcast by him at 9pm.

“We will discuss what are the measures and steps that need to be taken, and how we manage this crisis. 

“We view this very seriously. We’ve come to the second wave of this problem, and of course the number of cases has increased,” Muhyiddin said.

“So we will be on the air tonight to explain to Malaysians in general, how we are going to manage this,” he said.

Muhyiddin was responding to questions from reporters on whether the government will impose a lockdown, on top of the ongoing measures to reduce transmission risk, following the recent jump in confirmed cases here.

On the situation on the ground for food supply, Muhyiddin said Malaysians should not worry too much, as the existing supply is adequate.

“We have instructed the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to ensure that the supply of essential food items are made available.

“We have also informed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries to also monitor the situation, and based on today’s report, they have not indicated that food is running out.

He also assured that people will continue to have access to all necessary items.

Malaysians have been are advised to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people to address the transmission risk.  

At press time, Malaysia has recorded 553 confirmed COVID-19 infection cases, with 32 cured cases and zero deaths.

Click here for more property stories