With the beginning of Ramadan this Friday, Muslims are urged to continue to abide by the Movement Control Order (MCO) in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the Muslim community had to adapt to the new normal while avoiding the visit of friends and relatives throughout the month.

He said the Ministry of Health (MOH) was concerned that the visitation activity, which is common among Malaysians, would result in the spread of COVID-19 infections among family members.

“Muslims in the country are urged to take advantage of the opportunity during Ramadan which will enable them to carry out religious activities and practices such as preparing breaking of fast and performing prayers with their families in their homes.

"In addition to celebrating the month of Ramadan with loved ones at home, these measures can help us protect our loved ones especially elderly parents and young children from being infected with COVID-19," he said in a press conference here, Wednesday.

Dr Noor Hisham said the community needs to learn from the spread of COVID-19 infections in the Pengerang cluster and the sub-cluster of Rembau, which is believed to be the result of visitation activities.