It is Day One of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Klang but residents are in good spirits, saying they are better prepared now after experiencing the Movement Control Order in March.
P. Kuganeson, who is from Pandamaran, said he knows exactly what to expect and what to do as the district goes into a partial lockdown for 14 days.
“I immediately notified my family and friends upon hearing the CMCO announcement so that they wouldn’t panic,” said Kuganeson, a senior buyer.
“I also made arrangements with my employers to work from home and I am equipped with a back-up data plan in case I face Internet connectivity issues.
“We can flatten the curve as we have done it before. But if the cases continue to go up after the two weeks, then I would be concerned,” he said.
Kuganeson, however, said he noticed panic-buying in his area on Wednesday night.
“I was out for dinner and realised there were long lines in front of banks and shops. I guess some have not learnt anything from the MCO,” he said.
Fazilah Mohd Amir, a housewife from Johan Setia, said her family has reduced their outings since the MCO kicked in on March 18.
“We only go out when necessary. Being confined at home for the next 14 days will not be difficult,” Fazilah said.
Her five-year-old daughter attends a kindergarten just outside the CMCO area. Fazilah, 40, said she has not been notified if there will be online lessons for her child.
Fazilah went out yesterday to pay her bills and bought some food items.
“I know it will not be a problem to go around and buy items but we just wanted to stock up a little to avoid the hassle of going out later,” she said.
C. Shamini from Kawasan 6, Telok Gadong, said she is mentally prepared to stay at home for the next two weeks.
“I returned to the office after working from home throughout the MCO but with the latest development, my management has decided to split operations,” said Shamini, 38.
She is annoyed that some people in Klang are emptying the shelves at hypermarkets following Wednesday’s announcement.
“I did not stock up as I believe I will be able to find what I need when the need arises,” she said.
Klang is among the four red zones that have been placed under the CMCO due to a rise of Covid-19 cases. The other three zones – Sandakan, Papar and Tuaran – are in Sabah.
Only areas that fall under the Klang sub-district will be placed under CMCO.
Wholesale markets in Klang can operate from 4am to 2pm and markets are allowed to open from 6am to noon.
Restaurants and food stalls can operate from 6am to 10pm for takeaways while public transportation will operate from 6am to midnight.
Convenience stores, supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies can operate from 6am to 6pm.
Main image from Facebook / Polis Klang Selatan: People lining up to enter a 99 Speedmart in Taman Bayu yesterday.