A man walks through an unusually empty shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. Syaiful Redzuan/AFP/Getty Images

Malaysia will impose a nationwide movement control order from Wednesday until the end of the month to combat spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced Monday night.

The order includes a "comprehensive restriction on movements and public gatherings" including a ban on all religious, sports, social, and cultural activities, reported the state-run Bernama News Agency. All houses of worship and business premises will be closed, except for supermarkets, wet markets, grocery shops and convenience stores selling daily necessities.

Most government premises, except those providing essential services such as water and electricity, will be closed, Bernama reported. All educational institutions will also be closed until the end of the month.

Malaysians will be banned from traveling abroad, while foreign tourists and visitors will be restricted from entering the country, it added.

“I appeal to everyone to always comply with this movement control order. It is our common responsibility that we must implement as citizens who are concerned about our family, our society and our country," Muhyiddin said.