The Malaysian government may again tighten the movement control order (MCO) after May 18, if there is a surge in the number of new COVID-19 cases, said the Health Ministry on Wednesday (May 13).

In a press conference, the health ministry's director-general Noor Hisham Abdullah noted that May 18 would mark the end of the 14-day incubation period, since the implementation of the conditional MCO on May 4.

“We are now observing the situation day-to-day. We would make a decision in time to come.

“We have seen the outcome of the MCO, which is the flattening of the curve. As for the conditional MCO, we have not seen the outcome yet. The outcome will start (to be clearer) on May 18," he said.

As per the conditional MCO which was announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on May 1, almost all economic sectors were allowed to operate at full capacity, with strict standard operating procedures, starting May 4.

The prime minister's decision to ease restrictions drew criticism, including from former health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, who said it was too soon. The latter also said that there may be another wave of cases as a result.

Dr Noor Hisham said on Wednesday: “If (the number of) cases are still within our control, (we) can open up more sectors. But if the cases continue to increase, then we have to reverse our decision.”

He stressed that it was now up to the public to ensure a favourable outcome.