He said Sabahans, especially those in Lahad Datu and Tawau, would need to be wary after a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in the two districts.

“As the state is facing an election, everyone would need to practise the new norms with more discipline.

“The election machinery will need to follow SOPs during campaigns,” he said in his special message on the current Covid-19 situation.

The message was broadcast live through several channels, including Bernama TV and RTM.

He urged people to stay away from crowded places and not to shake hands so as to stop the spread of the virus.

“I want to remind that everyone will be affected if the cases increase and we have to implement MCO (movement control order),” he said, adding that this would affect the daily lives of the people, and the economy.

At the moment, he said people in Kota Setar, Kedah, were not allowed to enter or exit the town due to Covid-19 cases.

He hoped people would be disciplined and follow the new norm of wearing a face mask, washing hands with soap or sanitiser and keeping a physical distance.

Muhyiddin also said the government would continue to ensure strict border controls to prevent illegal migrants from entering the country.

The Sabah state election will be held on Sept 26.

Up to Sept 15, Malaysia had recorded a total 9,969 cases, with more than 800 in Sabah. Of the total,9, 209 cases have recovered.

A total of 128 people have died due to the coronavirus.

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