A drastic spike in COVID-19 infections in Malaysia could happen if the public does not comply with the 14-day movement control order as announced by the Prime Minister on Monday.

Kuantan Member of Parliament, Fuziah Salleh, said the move was deemed appropriate because self-discipline among Malaysians was still lacking.

She added that the order could actually help reduce movement and thus reduce the number of people who could be infected with the deadly virus.

"This is for Malaysia, which is currently facing a rise in number (of positive COVID-19 cases) and in these critical times, the people must cooperate by staying away from public places. If we save ourselves, we will save others," she said.

The movement control order also require premises of food business to operate on a limited basis as customers are only allowed to pack food for takeaway.

This may affect the income of the operators but 35-year-old restaurant owner, Wan Rahimi Wan Mokhtar, regarded the instructions as fair and necessary under the circumstances.

"We will obey the instructions as COVID-19 is very dangerous. Everyone will have to be responsible in helping to combat it from spreading as failure to do so can lead to death." he said.