Resorts World Genting (RWG), owned and operated by Genting Malaysia Bhd., announced a temporary closure of its venue from 22 January to 4 February 2021. The decision was made to comply with the Movement Control Order (MCO) initiated by the government in order to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

According to the released statement, while the majority of the services will be unavailable, essential resort-based services such as security, firefighting, utilities and clinics will remain operational. The company expressed regret about the new closures, saying “We appreciate your patience and kind understanding while we attend to your requests during this period.”

RWG is the only legal casino in Malaysia. Back on 12 January, RWG reduced the operating capacity and temporarily suspended some of its attractions, also part of the Malaysian government’s plans to restrict travel within the country. The first movement control was meant to last until 26 January.

The MCO is set to be implemented in various states, including Pahang near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, where the hill resort of Genting Highlands is located. Other affected areas include Kedah, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Terengganu where there are reports of increasing cases of the virus.

The country is suffering from a new spike of Covid-19 cases, and the government had to tighten safety measures.