'Makcik Kiah' trending on social media, newspapers today

CORONAVIRUS | The enforcement of the movement control order (MCO) enters its 11th day today with newspapers flashing stories on “Makcik Kiah”.

The name has been on almost everyone’s lips since yesterday, even trending on Twitter, after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mentioned her name when presenting the 2020 People's Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin).

His analogy of a woman selling banana fritters by the name of “Makcik Kiah” (Aunt Kiah) to illustrate examples of Prihatin benefits, is believed to have brought smiles to the people during these trying times.

The RM250 billion package was tabled for the benefit of the people with no group being left out, where more than half of the allocation, involving nearly RM128 billion, being channeled for the people’s welfare and to ease their burden.

Now in its 11th day, the level of compliance among the people should be higher, but there are some who are stubborn and still defy the order, leading to the police making several arrests.

As of 6pm yesterday, 88 individuals in seven states were arrested by the authorities for defying MCO, with Sarawak recording the highest number, involving 37 people.

They were arrested for, among others, making preparations for a birthday party, gathering or "lepaking" at public places, playing sepak takraw and football, as well as jogging.

The stern action by the police in ensuring public compliance to MCO is evident with more people arrested, including 14 men, aged between 17 and 40, in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, who are in remand for three to four days since yesterday for defying the order.

The government, through the relevant authorities, is tirelessly reminding the people to comply with the order, and if we want our families and the country, as well as ourselves, to be free from Covid-19 , let us all stay at home.

- Bernama

Keep up with the latest information on the outbreak in the country with Malaysiakini's free Covid-19 tracker.

Malaysiakini is providing free access to the most important updates on the coronavirus pandemic. You can find them here.

Help keep independent media alive - subscribe to Malaysiakini.