Malaysia's movement control order (MCO) will enter a “recovery phase" beginning next Wednesday (Jun 10) until Aug 31, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The MCO, first imposed on Mar 18 to control the spread of COVID-19, was previously extended four times until Jun 9.

In a televised address on Sunday, Mr Muhyiddin said the recovery phase is part of the country's exit strategy from the MCO, following a downward trend in the infection rate.

"Malaysia has successfully contained the spread of the pandemic and will now enter the recovery phase," he said.

Under the recovery MCO, "almost all" social, educational, religious and business activities, as well as economic sectors will reopen in phases, with standard operating procedures to be adhered to, Mr Muhyiddin said.

Interstate travel will be allowed, except for areas placed under enhanced MCO, while the country's borders will remain closed, the prime minister said.

As of Saturday, Malaysia reported a total of 8,303 COVID-19 cases and 117 deaths. Close to 80 per cent of the patients have recovered.

The MCO was initially enforced when the number of daily new cases saw an alarming three-figure spike. Under the MCO, domestic and international travel was barred, and people were encouraged to stay at home to break the infection chain.

After six weeks of economic inactivity, Malaysia eased into a “conditional MCO” beginning May 4, allowing almost all economic sectors to reopen.

Subsequently, controls continued to be lifted over time. Daycare centres, hair salons, beauty parlours, open markets and night markets have been given the green light to reopen.