KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) currently enforced will end June 9 and will be replaced with the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
In a special televised address, Muhyiddin said the RMCO would take effect from June 10 until Aug 31 with more lenient restrictions.
Under this new phase, interstate travel will be permitted, except for areas placed under Enhanced MCO (EMCO).
"For the public who wish to visit their parents living apart in other states, they are allowed to do so. Alhamdulilah.
"However, I ask that you please be mindful of hygiene.
"Wear face masks when you are in public places and avoid visiting congested areas when you return to your hometown," he said.
However, international travel is not permitted as the country's borders remain shut during the new RMCO.
Muhyiddin informed that domestic tourism will be allowed and is encouraged.
In his address, the prime minister said the RMCO marks the entry of the country into the "exit strategy" phase from the Movement Control Order and the CMCO, which came into force on March 18 and May 4, respectively.
"During the implementation period of RMCO, more restrictions will be relaxed to allow the public to carry out their daily activities while complying to the standard operating procedures," said Muhyiddin.
Almost all social, religious, business and educational activities are allowed to resume in stages under strict SOPs during the RMCO.
Businesses allowed to operate throughout the RMCO include hair salons and open markets such as "pasar pagi" and "pasar malam" (morning and night markets).
Restrictions on leisure activities, including visiting museums, entertainment and creative outlets will also be eased, while indoor busking and filming will be permitted to operate.
Sports and recreational activities will be subject to strict SOPs. Sports events and contact sports, however, are still not allowed during the RMCO.
Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration and Qurban activities are also permitted, but organisers must adhere to SOPs.
Schools will be opened in stages and the Education Ministry will make an announcement soon on the matter, said Muhyiddin.
Meanwhile, more worshippers will be allowed to join congregational prayers at mosques and surau – the details of this move will be announced soon.
The Prime Minister added that reflexology centres, nightclubs, theme parks and karaoke centres, as well as large gatherings such as kenduri, are still barred during the RMCO.
He added that should the country see a spike in Covid-19 cases during this period, the government will not hesitate to impose Enhanced Movement Control Orders (EMCOs) on affected areas or localities.