The emergency will last until August 1, but can be lifted sooner if the new rate of infection slows down. According to the announcement from the royal palace of Malaysia, the outbreak of Covid-19 in this country is at a very serious stage and urgent measures need to be taken.
An order to declare a state of emergency was issued after Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin made his request during a meeting with the King on January 11. The declaration of a state of emergency also allows suspending the activities of Congress and political activities.
Earlier, on January 11, the Malaysian government announced a series of stringent measures to prevent Covid-19, requiring residents to stay at home, only to go out when there is a need. Accordingly, from January 13, five states and many major cities, including the capital Kuala Lumpur, will be placed under the Movement Control Order (MCO) for two weeks, to the end of January 26, travel Interstates are prohibited nationwide and interstate travel in the capital Kuala Lumpur is also prohibited.
The number of Covid-19 cases has skyrocketed to 4 digits in recent days in Malaysia. As of January 11, the country had recorded a total of 135,000 Covid-19 cases, of which more than 550 died.