The Malaysian electrical and electronics (E&E) industry has called for the government to consider allowing an increase in production capacity to 50% during the movement control order (MCO) period.

This is given the local E&E industry’s position as one of the key components of the global supply chain, servicing principal manufacturers.

The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) today warned that the temporary halt on small and medium enterprises (SME) due to the movement control order (MCO) will cause multinational companies (MNC) that work closely with them to either scale-down operations or move somewhere else.

In exercise of the powers conferred by subsection 11(2) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342], the Minister makes the new regulations.

The Ministry of Transport has agreed after consultation with the National Security Council to allow freight forwarders and hauliers another four (4) days to expedite the movement of cargo from congested ports nationwide, starting Saturday, 4 April 2020.

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The National Security Council has clarified the details of the Level 2 Movement Control Order effective April 1 to April 14.

While the recent stimulus package could help to lessen the impact of the ongoing health crisis, Malaysia could require a deeper economic policy reponse in the event of a prolonged or more severe economic disruption. However, this could be a challenge owing to the limited fiscal policy space to respond to the crisis, says the World Bank in its recent report entitled 'East Asia and Pacific in the time of Covid-19'.

Malaysia's exports climbed 11.8% in February from a year earlier, the strongest on-year growth in 16 months, on higher demand for most segments of manufactured goods, government data showed on Friday. The acceleration was more than double the 5% forecast by analysts surveyed in a Reuters poll. Exports in January contracted 1.5% after a surprise rebound in December.

Developing economies in East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), already struggling with international trade tensions and COVID-19, now face a global shock as the pandemic hits major economies around the world. EAP countries must act quickly, cooperatively, and at scale. The report provides six main policy recommendations for countries: