By Afix Redzuan
SHAH ALAM, March 16 — Selangor Mentri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government does not have the power to implement a lockdown in Selangor to contain the spread of Covid-19.
He said such decision lies in the hands of the Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister.
Amirudin said hasty decision to announce such restraining order could stir panic among the people. Several aspects have to be taken into account as it involves various parties, such as the armed forces, and food supply.
"Lockdown can be implemented but preparations must be done accordingly. We must cooperate with every party involved.
"The need for continuous and close working relations between the state and Federal governments was stressed in the Sultan of Selangor’s royal address earlier.
"We should set aside the political differences and concentrate on containing the virus," he told the media after attending the opening of the first meeting of the third term of the 14th state legislative assembly sitting, here today.
Amirudin said he would meet with the state Covid-19 task force later today to be briefed on the proposed next course of action.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba through his official Facebook page has denied that there was a "lockdown" order in Malaysia because of Covid-19.
This was following an infographic that had circulated on Facebook and Whatsapp yesterday, which stated that "Covid-19 Hour" will take place today from 8pm to 10pm, accompanied by the #Malaysialockdown tag line.
