This is a loud call from Senior Defense Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who leads the Covid-19 security council during his daily briefing on security updates.

The Minister observed many parents have started visiting the malls with the easing of the Conditional Movement Control Order, however he also noticed that small children are also brought along the trips. He advised those to keep these young children at home as they are vulnerable to the virus that affects the respiratory system. Children as young as babies were seen in various mall since Monday, with many feeling the need to get out of the house after 2 months of being cooped up.

Malls are considered as high traffic zones and is closely controlled. Elderly and very young children are susceptible to the Covid-19 virus and are often advised to keep away from such places. Under the current disease prevention law with which the MCO and CMCO is being administered, there is no provision in prohibiting young children from going to malls or outdoors. In this context, the Defense Minister can only advise parents and not make it compulsory, however parents ought to know better than have their young ones exposed to a deadly virus which is still out there.

Understandably the festive mood is a factor compelling parents to bring their children out, with all the festive decorations and colourful clothes to shop, what is commonly practiced year after year will now need to halted, its tough to execute but a necessary one.