“The public are only allowed to leave their house to buy essential goods or services during the movement control period in the state.

KUCHING: The public are only allowed to leave their houses to buy essential goods or services during the movement control order period, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during a press conference tonight.

Sarawak is taking stricter measures to prevent curb the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) as the number of confirmed cases rises.

Abang Johari informed that all government offices will be closed from March 18 to 31.

“Only government agencies and departments providing essential services are allowed to operate, while business premises, including factories, will close for two weeks, except premises doing essential productions or services.

“Factories in Samalaju and Samajaya, and plywood factories will operate with minimal manpower,” he said after chairing the State Security Council Meeting at his Wisma Bapa Malaysia office.

Those travelling from town to town in the state will also have to undergo a 14-day quarantine at their end destination.

Abang Johari also informed that restaurants and eateries in the state were still allowed to operate.

“But the public are not allowed to eat or drink in the premises.

“The public are only allowed to leave their house to buy essential goods or services,” he said.

Those who do not comply will be face imprisonment or a fine, or both, he added.

On whether there would be sufficient food supply during the two-week long movement control order, Abang Johari assured that there was.

“The movement control order will have no effect on food supply, as it is only two weeks. There is enough food.

“I don’t think we will have any problem,” he said.

Malaysia recorded its first two deaths related to Covid-19 today, with one death recorded in Johor Bahru and one in Kuching, Sarawak.