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COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia: Actions taken by the Malaysian government
Ain Umaira Md Shah1, Syafiqah Nur Azrie Safri1, Rathedevi Thevadas2
1Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Insights
Malaysia implemented a Movement Control Order to combat COVID-19, supported by public campaigns like #stayhome and significant economic stimulus packages to aid citizens during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The global outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to widespread concern and the implementation of stringent public health measures.
- Malaysia reported its first cases of COVID-19, experiencing two distinct waves of the outbreak by April 2020.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the comprehensive response of Malaysia to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To detail the public health, societal, and economic measures undertaken by the Malaysian government.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews government actions, public health initiatives, and economic policies implemented in Malaysia.
- Analysis of the timeline of COVID-19 waves and the corresponding governmental and societal responses.
Main Results:
- Malaysia enforced a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) starting March 18, 2020, to curb virus transmission.
- Public engagement was fostered through campaigns like #stayhome, and significant economic stimulus packages, including the RM 250 billion PRIHATIN Package, were introduced.
Conclusions:
- The Malaysian government enacted a multi-faceted strategy involving public health orders, community engagement, and substantial economic support.
- These measures aimed to control the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its socio-economic impact on the population.
Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel pneumonia disease originating in Wuhan, was confirmed by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020 before becoming an outbreak in all countries.
Outbreak Situation:
A stringent screening process at all airports in Malaysia was enforced after the first case outside China was reported in Thailand. Up to April 14, 2020, Malaysia had reported two waves of COVID-19 cases, with the first wave ending successfully within less than 2 months. In early March 2020, the second wave occurred, with worrying situations.
Actions Taken:
The Government of Malaysia enforced a Movement Control Order starting on March 18, 2020 to break the chain of COVID-19. The media actively spread the hashtag #stayhome. Non-governmental organizations, as well as prison inmates, started to produce personal protective equipment for frontliners. Various organizations hosted fundraising events to provide essentials mainly to hospitals. A provisional hospital was set up and collaborations with healthcare service providers were granted, while additional laboratories were assigned to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Health.
Economic Downturn:
An initial financial stimulus amounting to RM 20.0 billion was released in February 2020, before the highlighted PRIHATIN Package, amounting to RM 250 billion, was announced. The PRIHATIN Package has provided governmental support to society, covering people of various backgrounds from students and families to business owners.
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