Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has warned of stern action should anyone attempt to "disrupt" the government's Covid-19 fight as well as the economy during the emergency period.

Earlier today, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong declared a national emergency that will last until Aug 1.

In a televised address after the declaration, Muhyiddin hoped the drastic move will help the government combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This emergency was enforced to help us flatten the Covid-19 curve immediately and further reduce the pressure on the country's healthcare system, which is pressured by the rising Covid-19 cases every day.

"I hereby issue a strong warning to anyone who tries to disrupt the government's efforts to manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the country's economy.

"Stern action will be taken in the interest of the rakyat's welfare and national security," he said.

The emergency has suspended Parliament, halted elections and allowed the monarch and executive branch of government more powers than under normal circumstances.

Powers the emergency allows

Muhyiddin explained today that the emergency allows the Agong to proclaim ordinances to allow the government to amend existing laws without going through Parliament.

“Ordinances can be proclaimed to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 to improve enforcement to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“This includes raising penalty or punishment for anyone who violates any law or rules used to control the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Private hospitals can also be compelled to help the government during the emergency.

“The government can get more inclusive involvement from the private sector including (using) private health facilities to help lighten the load on government agencies especially government hospitals.

“Through this ordinance, the help that can be sought from the private sector includes human resource, expertise, facilities, assets, laboratories and utilities,” he said.

Ordinances can further be used to impose heavier penalties for “economic sabotage”, drastic price hikes and economic monopoly.

Muhyiddin added that the military can be empowered through an ordinance to arrest undocumented migrants or anyone who encroaches national borders.

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