Perception of the Movement Control Order during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Malaysia

Yea Lu Tay, Zalilah Abdullah, Kalvina Chelladorai, Lee Lan Low and Seng Fah Tong
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Yea Lu Tay: Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
Zalilah Abdullah: Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
Kalvina Chelladorai: Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
Lee Lan Low: Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
Seng Fah Tong: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-13

Abstract: Malaysia implemented its first Movement Control Order (MCO) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to slow the transmission of the virus. This study aimed to explore the public perception of the MCO implementation and people’s experiences during this period. The study employed qualitative explorative in-depth interviews conducted with 23 Malaysian adults from various demographic backgrounds. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12. Three main themes were identified: a period of information surge, heterogeneous emotional response, and attempts to adapt. During the MCO, the participants obtained information from multiple platforms. They suggested the need for clear and repeated instructions to avoid confusion and misinformation. They also acknowledged the importance of the MCO in breaking the chain of transmission and safeguarding high-risk groups; however, they also expressed that stricter enforcement from the authorities was warranted. The changes in the participants’ work–life routines, lack of physical interaction, and uncertainty about their health and the economy due to the MCO negatively impacted their psychological states. Despite these challenges, the participants attempted to adapt to life under the MCO in different ways. The findings imply that during a crisis, the public tends to seek clear and reliable information, experience emotional turmoil, and adapt to changes. The MCO implementation can be improved through an effective communication strategy and efforts to battle misinformation.

Keywords: lockdown; Movement Control Order; pandemic; COVID-19; communications; public health measures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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