People line up to pay at a supermarket amid fears of a disruption in supplies after the Malaysia's government announces a restricted movement order imposed on March 18 due to the spread of the coronavirus disease, in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, March 17, 2020.
Malaysia will deploy its army starting on Sunday to ensure the public stays at home through the two-week lockdown meant to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are confident that with the help from the army, there will be more control and we hope the people will obey the orders issued by the government,” said Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob after attending a meeting with ministers on the Restriction of Movement Order Friday.
The country banned citizens from traveling overseas while shutting schools, shops and many public services until March 31 in a bid to limit the spread of the disease. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin urged people to stay home and warned the government may need to extend the period of lockdown if the measure fails to contain the virus during these two weeks.
Ismail said some Malaysians were still flouting the government order, with some taking their children to the playground or eating in groups at restaurants. Still, public compliance had increased from the 60% seen on Wednesday, when the order first came into effect. Police have set roadblocks around the country to advise drivers to stay home.
Malaysia has 900 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the most in Southeast Asia, even as the growth has started to plateau. There were 110 new additions on Thursday, the smallest daily increase since March 14.
