COVID-19: All mass gatherings, international conferences postponed until April 30 - PM

The government has called for all international conferences, mass gatherings and sporting events should either be cancelled or postponed until April 30.

Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, announced that such steps are necessary to address the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

“The government has decided that all assemblies including international conferences, sports, social and religious events be adjourned or cancelled depending on the suitability until April 30, 2020.

This decision will be re-examined if the COVID-19 situation improves,” the Prime Minister said in a special address tonight.

Muhyiddin also hopes that the guidelines for the gatherings of worship in mosques as issued by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department be followed by the Islamic religious authorities in every state.

"Yesterday, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Religious Affairs has issued guidelines for the gatherings of worship in mosques to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"I hope the Islamic religious authorities in the states will issue similar guidelines taking into account the advice and instructions from the authorities, especially the Ministry of Health," he added.

Muhyiddin has also conceded that Malaysia will continue to face the COVID-19 outbreak for a long period of time following the second wave of infections in the country.

He said this has been caused by the discovery of two new major clusters, including the recent “tabligh” event at a mosque in Sri Petaling.

“Up until today, there is an increase of new COVID-19 positive cases following the detection of two main clusters that mostly involve Malaysians.

“With the current trend, this outbreak is estimated to continue for a period that is quite long. It will not be over in the near future,” he said.