SHAH ALAM, Jan 12 — Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the implementation of the emergency is not a curfew nor a military coup.
“Let me assure you that the civilian government will continue to function.
“The emergency proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not a military coup and curfew will not be enforced,” said Muhyiddin during a special address on the declaration of a state of emergency broadcasted live today.
He said the emergency Ordinance was declared to enhance security enforcement and public order at a time when the nation was battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The necessary powers under this Ordinance will also be used to facilitate matters and overcome regulations that make it difficult to deliver public health services quickly, efficiently and effectively during this pandemic,” he said.
Muhyiddin said the Malaysian Armed Forces will also be given the authority to assist in public health functions as well as functions carried out by related public officers during this pandemic.
“The discretion on border control aspects, during this emergency, will be given to the military, other than the police and immigration authorities, to arrest any illegal immigrants or parties that trespass the national borders.
“Other than that, an Ordinance can be issued to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 to increase the effectiveness to the enforcement of the Act in the effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 disease,” he said.
This includes raising the penalty or punishment against offenders that disobey the Act and regulations concerning the control of the spread of Covid-19.
