A state of emergency has been declared in Malaysia today to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
New daily infections in Malaysia hit a record high last week, breaching the 3,000 mark for the first time. Total coronavirus infections passed 138,000 on Monday, with 555 deaths.
The emergency will last until August 1 or earlier depending on whether coronavirus infections have been brought under control in the country, Reuters reports.
On Monday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced a nationwide travel ban and a 14-day lockdown in the capital Kuala Lumpur and five states, saying the country's healthcare system was at a breaking point.
An emergency would give the prime minister and his cabinet extraordinary powers, including allowing the government to introduce laws without the approval of parliament, Reuters reports.
It was declared by King Al-Sultan Abdullah, after consenting to a request from Muhyiddin, who is facing a leadership challenge.
It was not immediately clear how the emergency would impact day to day activities, but the constitution allows for parliament to be suspended during that period - which could for now put an end to political uncertainties faced by Muhyiddin.
Malaysia's benchmark share index fell by 1.3 percent after the emergency announcement.
The premier has been in a precarious position since coming to power in March 2020 due to a razor thin majority in parliament. Some ruling coalition partners have been calling for him to step down and call for early elections.
The palace said Muhyiddin requested the emergency as a proactive measure.
Amid panic buying, the government said commodieties including sugar, cooking oil, flour, rice, white bread, milk powder, chicken, vegetables, eggs, onions, hand sanitisers, and face masks are being monitored, the New Straits Times reported.
Health director-general, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has expressed concern over the rise in the number of coronavirus deaths this year.
The cumulative number of deaths in the first nine days of the year reached 71, which is a significant jump compared to less than 100 deaths recorded during the first nine months of 2020, the NST reported earlier.
"I fear the worst is yet to come," said Dr Noor Hisham in a reply in the comment section of his Facebook account.-Reuters/NST.-Photos: NST
