KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 — The National Security Council (NSC) is considering more stringent measures for the second phase of the movement control order (MCO) that will start from April 1 to 14, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said these could be part of a new standard operating procedure (SOP) going forward.

"Despite the current MCO, the NSC found that there are still many things that are allowed or given leeway.

"The new SOP will be more stringent and after this, there will perhaps be stricter restrictions on shopping, food purchases and others,” said Ismail.

He said this after chairing a meeting of the special task force in Putrajaya today.

Ismail said he would not announce the new SOP yet, adding that the NSC will do so in due course.

He explained that the new, stricter SOPs for the second phase of the MCO are to ensure success in overcoming the Covid-19 crisis.

"Only the public can ensure the Covid-19 infection chain is broken, and hopefully, after April 14, we will not have any more restrictions,” said Ismail.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the MCO would be extended by another 14 days from April 1 to 14.

The first phase of the MCO is from March 18 to 31.