And so it begins: Phase 3 of Malaysia's Movement Control Order (MCO) is freshly-greased and well under way.

Originally imposed by the Malaysian government on March 18, the MCO was supposed to last until March 31.

This didn't sit well with authorities, as the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, didn't show any signs of slowing down. Because of that, the MCO was extended to April 14, diving Malaysians into the second phase of the partial lockdown.

On April 10 however, it was decided (in the interest of national health and safety) that the MCO would again be extended. This time until April 28. Let's see if this third phase will bear fruitful results.

But what makes Phase 3 of the MCO so different from previous implementations?

When the MCO was first imposed on March 18, people were told that they could only leave their homes to use essential services. This rule also stayed firm in Phase 2 and still applies in Phase 3 as well.

But the differentiating factor is the consideration of what qualifies as an essential service.

A police officer holds up a sign saying "Stay home, save lives. Thank you." IMAGE: Malay Mail

Phase 1 of the MCO listed 22 sectors as essential services, including (but not limited to) port, dock, and airport services; prisons; wildlife; immigration and customs; hotels and accommodations; as well as the supply and distribution of fuel and lubricants.

Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah. IMAGE: New Straits Times / Bernama

Phase 2 de-listed the aforementioned sectors, narrowing down the list to just 10 essential services. These services consisted of food; water; energy; communications and internet; security and defence; waste management and sewerage; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; banking and finance; ecommerce; and logistics related to essential services.

You'd better have a good excuse for being outside. IMAGE: New Straits Times

Phase 3 now allows additional sectors to resume operations in addition to the ones listed in Phase 2, such as the automotive, machinery, and aerospace industries; construction projects; science, professional, and technical services (including research and development); social health services like traditional and complementary medicine (TCM); hardware and electronics shops; and full-service laundries.

Initially, barber shops and optometries were listed as well, but that statement has since been rescinded due to the fear of gatherings with close proximity.

But fuck, when the hell am I gonna get a haircut? I look like Tom Hanks in Castaway, minus the beard.

Perhaps the most jarring difference is the fact that those caught flouting the order will be arrested immediately and sent to jail.

But let's say you do have a legitimate reason to be outside. Say, for example, you need to get groceries from a nearby supermarket.

If the police somehow find your excuse a little fishy, they'll even go as far as to follow you to and fro to make sure you're not just spewing out a load of horse shit to get past a roadblock.

This marks a significant intensification of enforcement for the MCO's third phase.

So what does this mean?

Just. Stay. At. Home.

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Cover image sourced from Bernama and New Straits Times.