Malaysia has a robust health system with universal health coverage, where Malaysians can access the health services they need. Previous experience in facing infectious disease outbreaks such as leptospirosis, encephalitis, SARS, and MERS-CoV, have tested and strengthened their emergency response systems. These strong foundations have prepared Malaysia to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
At the start of the outbreak, the National Security Council (NSC) commanded and mobilised the response at the national level, with technical guidance from the Ministry of Health (MOH). A movement control order (MCO) was implemented on 18 March 2020 and gradually adjusted in phases based on risk assessment. Malaysia ramped up its testing capacity from around 1 000 tests per day in January 2020 and increasing to over 38 000 tests per day to date. COVID-19 cases were contained by isolating all symptomatic and asymptomatic patients to hospitals for free regardless of citizenship. Some government hospitals were converted into full or partial COVID-19 hospitals. Quarantine centres were also made available, utilising existing training institutes, nursing dormitories, non-specialist hospitals and hotels.
The Malaysian government and its partners implemented various innovations including the MySejahtera contact tracing application, drive-through screening services, and the Field Hybrid Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Risk communication was also strengthened through regular media briefings and sharing of trusted messaging through websites, social media, and SMS. They also launched the Cegah dan didik Amal Patuh dan Pantau (prevent and educate, practice, comply and monitor) to boost community engagement. To address the economic impact of the pandemic, the Malaysian government introduced economic stimulus packages amounting to RM 260 billion and the PENJANA Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan.
Read the full report: http://www.ihsr.moh.gov.my/images/publication_material/techreport/wpro-covid_final.pdf