Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday announced another nationwide lockdown as the country grapples with a fresh surge in coronavirus cases that has pushed its total caseload past 440,000.

Malaysia will extend its movement control order (MCO) currently enforced in several areas to cover the whole country till June, Muhyiddin said in a statement.

The restrictions will take effect from May 12 to June 7. Muhyiddin said that the measures are necessary due to the surge in new COVID-19 cases nationwide, especially in the wake of new variants and poor public discipline in following standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Among the new restrictions are a total ban on inter-state and inter-district travel except for emergencies, work or vaccination while all forms of social events including celebrations, weddings, and holidays are prohibited.

Educational institutes will remained closed, dining at restaurants will not be allowed and only three people, including the driver, will be allowed in vehicles.

Celebrations for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr will also be curbed. However, all economic sectors will be allowed to operate if SOPs are observed.

Malaysia reported 3,807 new COVID-19 cases and 17 more deaths within the previous 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Monday.

(With input from Reuters, Xinhua)