THE private sector can be co-opted in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic with emergency ordinances, said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

These orders must first be enacted and only if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong deems them necessary.

“In this context, some of the emergency ordinances can cover issues, such as the use of private hospitals, temporary takeover of land, buildings and other properties owned by private hospitals or request the use of private hospital resources to treat Covid-19 patients,” he said during his national address this morning to announce a state of emergency until August 1.

This would enable the government to get more inclusive involvement from the private sector, including its faculties, to lighten the load undertaken by the government, particularly public hospitals.

“Through these ordinances, the help obtained from the private sector can include human resources, expertise, facilities, assets, laboratories and utilities.”

The powers granted under such orders will ease and speed up the government’s job to deliver effective public healthcare to the public, he said.

An emergency order could also be enacted to give more power to the military to enforce certain laws.

“The military can help carry out public health and other administrative functions. The emergency order will also allow them to better secure our borders.”

Another order can be enacted to amend the Prevention & Control of Infectious Disease Act 1988, which forms the backbone of the government’s movement-control order (MCO). 

“The amendments can make this law more effective, including raising the penalties against anyone caught breaking laws related to Covid-19.”

The fine for breaking Covid-19 standard operating procedure is currently RM1,000.

In August, the government fined Plantation, Industries and Commodities Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali RM1,000 for violating Covid-19 rules. The PAS minister did not undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine after returning from a trip in Turkey in July.

Muhyiddin also said the new emergency orders can be enacted to combat economic sabotage, monopoly and price hikes during the pandemic. – January 12, 2021.