Malaysia infections jump to 1,796, clampdown extended

Malaysia will extend a two-week restriction of movement order and unveil a second economic stimulus package as the number of coronavirus cases continue to climb, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today, the Guardian reports.

The measures come as Malaysia reported 172 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 1,796, the highest in Southeast Asia.

Since last week, Malaysia has closed its borders to travellers, restricted internal movement, and ordered schools, universities and non-essential businesses to shut until 31 March.

Muhyiddin said the curbs on movement would be extended another two weeks to 14 April as Malaysia had yet to see a decline in the number of new virus cases.-Photo: NST