KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 11 (CNA) - Malaysia's King Al-Sultan Abdullah on Tuesday (Jan 12) declared a state of emergency across the country to curb the spread of COVID-19, the palace said in a statement.

The emergency will last until Aug 1 or earlier depending on the state of coronavirus infections, the palace said.

The king also allowed a government proposal to set up an independent committee comprising of government and opposition members of parliament (MPs), as well as health experts to manage the COVID-19 situation.

He also advised the people to remain calm and resilient in facing the state of emergency and Movement Control Order (MCO), said the palace.​​​​​​​