PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to forego Royal Emoluments to the King and Queen for a period of six months from March this year.



Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said that Sultan Abdullah's made the decision to ease the government's burden in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.



He added that the decision was to support the Prime Minister's as well as ministers' and deputy ministers' move to contribute two months of their salaries to the Covid-19 Fund.



"The Royal Consent also reflects the King's caring character and his concern over the pandemic and the country's financial situation," said Fadil in a statement Tuesday (March 31).



He added that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had been informed of Sultan Abdullah's decision.



On March 26, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the Prime Minister as well as all ministers and deputy ministers would contribute two months of their salaries to the Covid-19 Fund.



The PMO added that their pay would be automatically deducted and channelled to the fund.



"This step shows the earnestness of the Government to assist those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic," said the PMO.



Both their majesties, said Fadil, also expressed their appreciation to all doctors and healthcare staff in conjunction with World Doctor's Day on Monday (March 30).



"Their majesties also expressed their appreciation to all doctors, medical personnel – especially frontliners – for their service, 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 government agencies involved, after receiving recognition from a well-known international financial services firm," he added.



Fadil said that Yang di-Pertuan Agong also hoped that the rakyat would continue to pray, together with their majesties, for Malaysia to always be protected by Allah and for effective end to the pandemic.



On March 25, US investment bank JP Morgan said that the Malaysian government’s actions are proving effective in curbing the spread and intensity of Covid-19.



With low mortality rates, Malaysia’s aggressive testing strategy far exceeded its Asean peers and even several European nations, added JP Morgan.



In a report dated March 23, it said that the strategy could result in higher number of reported infections, but this added to JP Morgan’s confidence of milder development and mortality rates.



“The recent limitations on movement should also help to slow the spread, and along with border controls should subdue a secondary spread of the epidemic,” it added.