Coronavirus: Malaysian athletes urge rakyat to stay at home

Malaysian athletes and sports icons took to social media to urge citizens to stay at home after the Malaysian government implemented a two-week restricted movement order to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

The order, which came into effect on Wednesday and scheduled to end on March 31, put a complete ban on on all movements and large gatherings including religious activities, sports, social and cultural events.

Despite that, some Malaysians were seen taking the ban lightly, forcing the likes of Lee Chong Wei, Nicol David and more to step up and advise the public to adhere to the order.

"I urge everyone to stay at home and not go out at this moment. Don't go back to your hometown like it's the Hari Raya break. You might be okay, but the ones who die could be your loved ones.

"Have faith that this nightmare will be over. We as Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, must work together and help one another so that the end arrives quicker," Lee wrote on Instagram.

"Now more than ever it’s important to do the right thing, let’s work as a team and let’s be compassionate.

"I wish everyone is safe and keep your families close to you. Please follow the recommendations that have been given and please stay home," wrote Nicol to her fans.

National bowlers Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi and Sin Li Jane also encouraged the public to stay at home and use the opportunity to bond with family members.

"Over the next two weeks, just keep calm and stay at home. I think this is the right time to spend time with our family," said Syaidatul.

Just Stay At Home ? @syaidatulafifa #COVID19 #KontinjenMALAYSIA pic.twitter.com/maz8F6vrAU

— #TeamMALAYSIA ?? (@AtletMalaysia) March 19, 2020

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Sin echoed the same sentiment: "Let's obey the restriction movement order for the next two weeks and stay home. We still can work from home, exercise from home and spend more time with our family members."

Cycling icon Azizulhasni Awang, meanwhile, told his Instagram followers that the ban was not an excuse to skip exercising.

Besides current and former athletes, sports teams and organisations in Malaysia also did their part to educate the masses, such as Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) with their public service announcements.

As of Wednesday, Malaysia recorded two deaths and more than 700 infected cases due to the coronavirus pandemic.