Malaysia deployed the army on Sunday to enforce a two-week curb on travel in a country that has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia, most of them linked to a mass religious gathering.
The country has so far reported nine deaths and 1,183 infections. Southeast Asia has recorded a total of more than 3,200 positive cases, with the other big centers being Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Malaysia called in the army after some people continued to defy the restrictions that came into force on Wednesday, the defense minister said in a briefing after the deployment started at noon.
“Even though police have said 90% compliance now, 10% is not a small number,” Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
“Among the things that will be done jointly by the police and army include road blocks. Likewise for patrols in urban and rural areas, maintaining security at hospitals, managing areas that are congested and may not abide by the order such as markets.”
The four-day Islamic gathering held at a mosque near the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is connected to 60% of all the cases in the country, whose tally is only behind those of China and South Korea in Asia.
Worshippers who attended the event are cooperating with authorities, an organizer said in a statement, after the government said on Thursday that it had yet to trace 4,000 of the 14,500 Malaysian residents who attended.
The health ministry said on Saturday it expected the number of cases to spike next week as it tried to track down unscreened participants of the February 27 - March 1 congregation.
“After hearing reports of thousands or participants yet to be screened, many had returned to their district health departments or hospitals repeatedly until their names and details were recorded,” Abdullah Cheong, a leader of the event’s organizing team, said on Saturday.
“We are prepared and have given our full commitment to help the authorities deal with the pandemic.”
He also said 12,500 people attended the gathering, including foreigners and 200 Rohingya refugees. The government has put the number at 16,000.
Latest Stories
-
Today’s front pages: Friday, May 3, 2024
28 mins -
CAFCC: USM Alger file appeal at CAS to contest CAF’s decisions on RS Berkane jersey
1 hour -
Africa’s Outstanding Professional, Engr. Ebenezer Kwadjo Dankyi
1 hour -
Deloitte Ghana wins Africa ESG Company of the Year 2024
3 hours -
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
5 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
5 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
5 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
6 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
6 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
6 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
6 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
7 hours -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
7 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
7 hours -
Faith-based institutions are instrumental in national development – Bawumia
7 hours