TANGKAK: The government will continue to enforce Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the country until a vaccine is found, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said Malaysians must continue to abide by the SOPs, which were formulated by the government through the Health Ministry, until asked to do otherwise.
"People will have to practice these SOPs, such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing, as long as there is no vaccine for Covid-19.
"There are efforts in countries like the United States and China to create a vaccine, but so far, they have not found one," said Muhyiddin in his speech at a meet-the-people session at Dewan Serbaguna Bukit Gambir here, today.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad and Johor police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
This is the first time that Muhyiddin, who is the Gambir assemblyman, has visited his constituency since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced on March 18.
Muhyiddin also said that he is proud of Malaysians for practising self-discipline in complying with all the SOPs and instructions issued by the government.
"Even though there were some who defied the order, the number was very small.
"What we did in enforcing the MCO is unprecedented in the country. I still remember that I took the oath of office on March 1 and on March 18, I had to announce the implementation of the MCO to control the spread of Covid-19.
"Alhamdulillah (Praise to Allah), our efforts are recognised by the world, as Malaysia is among the top five countries with the best Covid-19 management," said Muhyiddin.
He also expressed the government's gratitude to frontliners, including medical personnel, the police and the Armed Forces, as well as other uniformed agencies.
Muhyiddin said it was time for frontliners to take a step back and have a rest after working hard to contain the spread of Covid-19.
"Community leaders should take over the responsibility of reminding the people to always adhere to the SOPs in order to prevent the re-emergence of the virus," he added.