Malaysia restricts travel, shuts schools and businesses to combat coronavirus

Malaysia said it would restrict travel, ban public gatherings and order schools, universities and most shops to shut from Wednesday in a bid to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said there would be a ban on Malaysians travelling overseas and on visitors entering the country under a restricted movement order imposed from March 18 to March 31.

Only shops selling essentials, including food stores and pharmacists, would be allowed to stay open, he said in a televised address.