Malaysia Set to Ease COVID-19 Lockdowns in Five States
*In a move that brings a sigh of relief to many Malaysians, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that a handful of states will start loosening restrictions next Monday. The decision comes after these regions hit the “green lights” on the government’s rolling‑out roadmap.
What’s Changing? The five states slated for partial easing are:
- Kelantan
- Pahang
- Perak
- Perlis
- Terengganu
These provinces have met the required metrics—like infection rates, vaccination coverage, and health‑system capacity—to shift into the second phase of the ‘gradual reopening’ plan, according to Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Why the Hype?
After the country stayed locked down nationwide since June 1, Malaysia has been navigating a roller‑coaster of waves. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin charted a four‑phase journey aimed at balancing public safety and economic revival. Now, the easing signals that the virus is falling into a manageable rhythm in those specific states.
Meanwhile, Things Still Tight in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
In the capital and its neighboring state, stricter measures have been put in place this past Saturday—a testament that the wave is still potent there. The same day, 6,658 new cases were reported, pushing the national tally to 772,607 infections and 5,327 deaths.
So, while the heartbeats in five states are calming, the story in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor reminds us that vigilance is still on the menu. Be ready, stay safe, and enjoy the newfound freedom—just take the precautions seriously.
