Sabah CM gives thumbs up to emergency declaration

 

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor says the emergency declaration is a ‘proactive measure’. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has welcomed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s emergency declaration as a necessary move and ”proactive measure” to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The need to contain the virus’ spread and protect the health of the people is of utmost importance,” he said in a statement here today.

The decision comes a day after Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the implementation of a two-week movement control order (MCO) in six states, including Sabah, effective Wednesday to quell the surge in infections.

Earlier today,Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah declared a state of emergency to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement, the Palace said Sultan Abdullah had consented that the emergency should last until Aug 1 or earlier if Covid-19 cases are reduced and stabilised.

Muhyiddin, in his televised speech later, said no curfew would be imposed throughout the state of emergency, adding that the federal and state governments would function as usual. He also said this was not a military coup. - FMT