The Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented in an effort to contain the COVID-19 virus that seems potentially gotten out of control in Malaysia. The order— we believed everybody would have known it by now— requires us to be at home and only go out if necessary. In live streaming last night (March 18), the PM once again urged the people to STAY PUT AT HOME.

This is a difficult time for all of us, and our common sense should have told us to cooperate with the government to fight against the virus that has already caused 2 deaths in Malaysia, isn’t it?

Yet, some people just seem oblivious to the MCO and the seriousness of this pandemic. They’d rather continue living their lives, as usual, taking no notice of the government’s order.

1. THEY DEFY THE TAKEAWAY-ONLY RULE

Entering the first day (March 18) of the Movement Control Order, our social media feeds were swarmed with photos and videos of insensible people having breakfasts with their families AT eateries.

A clip that shows the police going to a stall that allows people to eat there was circulating on the internet. Both the restaurant owner and the dined-in customers were arrested and given a warning, as said by the person who took the video.

Another video that was posted online shows people gathering with their friends at a Mamak amid the MCO. They looked really chilled and only began to leave the place when the police came.

2. THEY CROWD MARKET AND EVEN CAUSING TRAFFIC JAM

According to The Star, a market was bustling with cars and people who were buying supplies to cook and takeaways today (March 19). In a video released on social media, the enforcement officers could be heard reminding the people about the MCO, urging the shopping crowd to stay at home and only come out when necessary with a loudspeaker.

3. THEY FORCE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO WORK

Chinapress reported that a photo that shows the police checking on a plant that is secretly operating and allegedly forced the employees to return to work has gone viral. A strict warning was issued and the plant was ordered to stop operating at once. (Good job, police! And whoever reported this)

4. THEY DRIVE AROUND AS IF THIS IS A HOLIDAY

 Harian Metro reported that the police have set up roadblocks to deter people from coming out unnecessarily when the MCO is ongoing. Sadly, people who were asked why they went out gave unreasonable and implausible excuses:

-Enjoying night scenery

-Need to buy foods

-Didn’t know about the Movement Control Order (Oh, seriously?)

It is really frustrating that some ignorant Malaysians are defying the order when others are trying so hard to curb the spread of the virus. And because people are ignoring the MCO, the government may resort to calling in the army to uphold the Order, according to Berita Harian.

“If there is no choice, and compliance is still at 60 percent to 70 percent, I believe that it's highly likely the army will be deployed,” said the Senior Minister for Defence, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, after a Cabinet meeting on the Movement Control Order, The Straits Times reported. 

The PM has also warned that if the 2-week control order could not achieve its objective to break the chain of infection, it could be extended. 

But we don’t want to have to stay indoors for another 2 weeks, do we?

Come on, Malaysians! We are better than this. Let’s work with the government to combat the virus!