KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): There were 618 positive cases detected in some of the eight areas that had been placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO), according to the Ministry of Health.

So far, the eight areas include four areas in Lembah Pantai, Selangor Mansion with 146 cases, followed by Menara City One (51 cases), Malayan Mansion (four cases) and other parts of the Masjid India area (three cases), said the Ministry in a report.

Meanwhile, 36 cases were detected in the areas surrounding the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market in Selayang.

Over in Selangor, Sungai Lui village recorded 156 cases.

Meanwhile, Bandar Baru Ibrahim Majid in Johor recorded 183 cases, while its surrounding localities have 39 cases.

As of noon today, 39 new cases were reported in Selangor Mansion, followed by Sungai Lui village (15 new cases) as well as Kuala Lumpur wholesale market and its surrounding areas (eight new cases), according to the statistics provided by the Ministry.

The other five areas have not recorded any new cases today.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement that the Ministry has welcomed the third extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) until May 12, as announced by the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last night.

The additional phase will allow the Ministry to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections in the country using a targeted approach, he said.

He said that with the MCO and EMCO in place, the Ministry can identify, screen, isolate and treat COVID-19 cases more effectively.

“So far, in this third phase of MCO, the number of COVID-19 cases is under control without any sudden increase,” Noor Hisham added.

He advised the public to stay at home, unless if they work in sectors that are allowed to operate or have urgent matters to handle, frequently wash their hands, and keep at least one metre from each other.

He also noted that while the MCO has been relaxed slightly in its fourth phase, those who are allowed to work should continue to maintain social distancing practices such as avoiding crowded and confined spaces and stay at least one metre apart.

Moreover, he also advised those who are involved in online food business to always maintain good hygiene as well as practise social distancing when delivering food during Ramadan.

They need to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry, he said.

Malaysia has reported 88 new cases, bringing the tally to 5,691 cases.

The death toll is now at 96 after one more fatality was reported, which works out to a 1.69% mortality rate.