KUCHING, Jan 12: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has today declared a state of emergency across the country until Aug 1 to curb the spread of Covid-19.
In a statement, the Palace Comptroller Datuk Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said that the emergency will last until Aug 1 or an earlier date if the number of daily Covid-19 cases can be brought under control and lowered effectively.
The Palace emphasised that the King has consented to the proclamation of emergency after a meeting with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at 5.30pm yesterday (Jan 11) who presented the decision of the Cabinet as proactive step to curb the Covid-19 as daily positive cases remained at four digits since December.
“Al-Sultan Abdullah views that the spread of Covid-19 in the country is at a critical level and that there is a need to declare an emergency, based on Article 150(1) of the Federal Constitution.
“This had been discussed and approved by the other Malay rulers.
“This decree also takes into account the safety of the people and the country’s interests. It is also based on the current Covid-19 statistics, specifically the logistical constraints in each state,” it said.
The Federal government has also proposed to form an independent taskforce with members from the government and oppositions as well as health experts who will advise the King if the emergency can be ended earlier.
“Al-Sultan Abdullah advises the people to stay calm and strong in facing the implementation of this emergency and the movement control order (MCO) for our safety.
“The King also urged the people to be disciplined in complying with standard operating procedure (SOP) and other restrictions imposed by the government and relevant agencies throughout this emergency and MCO period,” the Palace added.
The King hopes that the Covid-19 vaccine which will arrive in the country later can contain the pandemic and curb the infections in Malaysi
