Important Things To Note About The State Of Emergency Declared In Malaysia Till 1 Aug 2021

Eunis Ong

Last updated 12 Jan 2021

national emergency malaysia august covid

Malaysia's King Declares State Of Emergency

Just a day after the announcement of the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 6 states across Malaysia and a nationwide interstate travel ban, Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah has declared a nationwide state of emergency (darurat) earlier this morning as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The palace said in a statement on Tuesday morning that the King has assented to the government's request for an emergency order that will be effective from 11 Jan 2021 - 1 Aug 2021.

[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021

States across Malaysia will be placed back on MCO following a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide. Take note of this list of newly announced SOPs.

What Does This Mean To Us?

In Malaysia, a state of emergency can be declared if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security, or the economic life, or public order in the Federation or any part thereof is threatened. This time around, it has been declared to curb the increase of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia as well as manage the worsening flood situation affecting states like Johor and Pahang.

In his special announcement made at 11AM on 12 Jan 2021, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin assured everyone that the civil government will continue to function during this period, and Malaysians are urged to remain calm and support the government's efforts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things To Note About The State Of Emergency

This is not a military coup and no curfews will be enforced.
The state of emergency is meant to strengthen the enforcement on security and to ensure the safety of Malaysians.
The Movement Control Order (MCO) will go on as usual.
There will be no parliamentary sittings or elections of any sort (including State Elections and By-Elections) during this period.
The administrative machinery of the federal and state governments will not be affected by the declaration of emergency.
The emergency will last until Aug 1 or may end earlier depending on the country's COVID-19 situation.
Economic sectors are still allowed to operate based on SOPs - in the PM's terms: "Malaysia is still open for business".
Private healthcare institutions and hospitals will be involved to help ease the burden of the government hospitals that are at their breaking point - this includes the sharing of assets, lab facilities, manpower, and more.
An independent committee (Jawatankhas Bebas) consisting of government and opposition MPs as well as health experts will be elected to help manage the COVID-19 situation. The committee will also provide recommendations if early termination of the emergency is possible.