MALAYSIA’S MCO 3.0: News analysis

As confusion reigns, Malaysia still chasing effective Covid-19 response

A third surge of Covid-19 infections has prompted Malaysia's government to impose another shutdown this week, amid public outcry that it has mismanaged the crisis. The Straits Times looks at the Covid-19 response in Malaysia so far and its impact on daily life.

The area near the Saloma Link bridge was almost deserted during the nationwide movement control order in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Top: An H&M store closed during the national movement control order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The country ha
The area near the Saloma Link bridge was almost deserted during the nationwide movement control order in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
The area near the Saloma Link bridge was almost deserted during the nationwide movement control order in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Top: An H&M store closed during the national movement control order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The country ha
An H&M store closed during the national movement control order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The country has imposed a third MCO nationwide for four weeks beginning on May 12. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
The area near the Saloma Link bridge was almost deserted during the nationwide movement control order in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Top: An H&M store closed during the national movement control order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The country ha
Passengers wearing masks riding a near-empty train in Kuala Lumpur the same day. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
The area near the Saloma Link bridge was almost deserted during the nationwide movement control order in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Top: An H&M store closed during the national movement control order (MCO) in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The country ha
A police officer checking the documents of a driver at a roadblock at Tanjung Malim, outside Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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This time last year, Malaysia began to reintroduce social activities while interstate travel came a month later, after what was heralded as a swift and effective response to the pandemic.

But in recent days, the country recorded the highest mortality rate so far of 170 in a week, and breached 600 intensive care unit (ICU) patients for the first time since the outbreak began.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 15, 2021, with the headline As confusion reigns, Malaysia still chasing effective Covid-19 response. Subscribe