Agong declares State of Emergency until Aug 1

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to the Proclamation of Emergency Proclamation being implemented as a proactive measure to curb the symptoms of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Majesty also consents to the period of emergency implementation until August 1, 2021 or until an earlier date if the daily COVID-19 positive case figures can be controlled and lowered effectively.

Assent is given after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin informed his Cabinet regarding the decision and take into account consultations with His Majesty the Malay Rulers.

According to Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja, Datuk Indera Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, the emergency consent takes into account the safety of the people and the interests of the country.

"It is also based on the current statistics of COVID-19, in particular, the constraints of logistics facilities according to the states that have been presented during the briefing session.

"Al-Sultan Abdullah also agreed with the Government's proposal for the formation of an Independent Committee which will be composed of Government and Opposition MPs as well as health and related experts.

"This Independent Committee will recommend to His Majesty the King if the implementation of this emergency can be terminated earlier," he said.

According to statistics, fifteen COVID-19 hospitals recorded the rate of bed usage for COVID-19 (non-ICU) is over 70 percent. In the Klang Valley, the usage of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital and the University of Malaya Medical Center has reached 100 percent, while at the Sungai Buloh Hospital 83 percent.

The rate of use of ICU beds for COVID-19 patients in Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Terengganu and Sarawak has exceeded 70 percent.

His Majesty also called on the people to be disciplined in complying with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and all orders set by the Government and relevant Government agencies during the implementation of the emergency and the Movement Control Order.

"If not curbed and controlled effectively, then it will be detrimental to the health of the people and the well-being of the country," the statement said.

In this regard, Al-Sultan Abdullah advised the people to remain calm, resilient and resilient in the face of the implementation of this emergency and the Movement Control Order for security and common interests.