On 30 January, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 outbreak as an international emergency. At this point, the disease had become an epidemic, spreading to many people and communities at the same time.
By 11 March, the WHO labelled the spread as a pandemic, indicating that the virus is now a worldwide phenomenon. Calling the disease caused by a Novel Coronavirus a pandemic does not mean that it has become more deadly, but it reflects the WHO’s expectation that the number of cases, deaths, and affected countries will continue to climb.
On 16 March, for the sake of national security and public safety, Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced a Movement Control Order (MCO). About 100,000 Malaysians working in Singapore with no living arrangements in the country are affected by the travel ban, which is in effect from 18-31 March 2020.
On 18 March, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said, “More than 10,000 Malaysians working in Singapore affected by Malaysia’s travel ban starting today found accommodation in Singapore within just a few hours.”
The Singapore Government has given assurances that all Malaysian workers who choose to remain in Singapore will have a place to stay.
“Although the MCO was meant to be for the greater good to prevent further spread of COVID-19, it came quite suddenly and caught many Singapore employers and Malaysian daily cross-border employees off guard. However, it is heartening to see the Singapore government coming to their aid. Authorities were able to successfully place many cross-border employees in suitable and safe accommodations,” said Ohmyhome’s Director of Real Estate and Destination Services, Darren Teo.
Need a place to call home in Singapore during the MCO? Ohmyhome has thousands of housing units available for rent. Our entire team of property agents, customer service staff, and experienced relocation professionals stand ready to assist you.
Call 6886 9009 to learn more!
Reference: The Straits Times
