Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has defended the government’s use of the national emergency, saying it allows Putrajaya additional powers it can use to better manage the Covid-19 pandemic.

Such powers include fining private hospitals up to RM5 million for refusing government requests.

Provided the Yang di-Pertuan Agong assents to the relevant ordinances, Ismail said the state of emergency also accords the army “the same powers” as the police.