PETALING JAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah shows his compassion by standing with the people in times of need.This is after Sultan Abdullah gave his consent to the government not to pay Royal Emoluments to him and his consort for a period of six months from March until August.

In a statement, Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King’s decision was aimed at easing the government’s burden to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahmad Fadil said the decision was also to support the move by the Prime Minister, ministers and deputy ministers to give two months of their salaries to the Covid-19 Fund.

“The royal consent also reflects the King’s deep concerns over the latest development of the pandemic and the country’s financial situation, ” he said yesterday.

Ahmad Fadil said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had been informed of the decision.

Ahmad Fadil said Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also expressed their appreciation to all doctors and healthcare staff.

“In conjunction with World Doctor’s Day on Monday, Their Majesties expressed appreciation to all doctors and medical personnel, especially frontliners, for their services, dedication and tireless sacrifices in carrying out their responsibilities to curb the pandemic.

“Sultan Abdullah also expressed his gratitude to the government, Health Ministry and all agencies involved after receiving recognition from a well-known international financial service firm regarding the government’s action in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, ” he said.

Ahmad Fadil said Sultan Abdullah called upon the people to stand united and pray Malaysia would always be protected by Allah and for the pandemic to end effectively.

On March 25, US investment bank JP Morgan said that the Malaysian government’s actions were proving to be effective in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.It said with low mortality rates, Malaysia’s aggressive testing strategy far exceeds Asean peers and even several European nations.

“The recent limitations on movement should also help to slow the spread, ” it added.