KUALA LUMPUR: The Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet has held its last meeting on Wednesday (May 18), says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       The Defence Minister who chaired the quartet said this comes after they had reached the goal of reopening the country safely.

       "For the past nine months, the quartet was among the main initiatives by the government to open the nation in stages with the goal of 'Reopening Safely'.

       "With that, I would like to thank all government ministries, the National Security Council and also the uniformed units of the Immigration Department, Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Police for their commitment in ensuring our plans were implemented accordingly.

       "A special thanks is however for all members of the Malaysian Family for supporting the governments efforts in combatting the pandemic," he said in his speech after chairing the Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet.

       He added that the government also did not intend to continue any lockdowns.

       "We hope that the one standard operating procedure and nine guidelines will continue to be implemented accordingly.

       "Continue staying disciplined, maintain personal hygiene and wear a mask in closed areas for the safety of yourself and your loved ones," he said.

       Also present were Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

       The quartet’s first meeting was on Sept 14, 2021.