Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

While COVID-19 reduced employment and household income, the World Bank's report found that the Government's financial support to companies, targeted payment deferrals, and workers' wage subsidies helped lessen the economic impact of the pandemic.

[8] On 22 June, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that cinemas, theatres and other live events would be allowed to reopen from 1 July, with a limit of 250 people.

[10] Following a new wave of outbreaks in October 2020, the Malaysian Association Of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) announced that they would be temporarily closing all cinemas in Malaysia from 2 November to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

[13] The rise of cases and public awareness of the virus's threat has intensified panic buying of surgical masks and hand sanitizers, which were already selling like hotcakes in a short period of time.

[24][25] With the rapid spread of the virus infections into several more states such as Penang and Sabah in the country,[26][27] panic buying has seen an increase nationwide with people beginning to pack excessive essential items.

[40][41] Malaysian states are highly dependent on tourism sectors and being the point for Mainland Chinese visitors such as Johor,[42] Malacca,[43] Penang,[44] and Sabah[45] were among the heaviest affected with hotel bookings and food stalls have reported a large loss in businesses.

[48][49] Despite the large losses incurred by tourism businesses, a number of Malaysians had voiced their concerns over the spread of the virus and urged a ban on travellers from China to the country with some 149,000 in support of the call.

[50][51] On 26 June, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that sectors and industries under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture such as meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, travel and trade fairs, spa, wellness and reflexology centres would be allowed to open from 1 July.

However, tourism businesses are required to abide by social distancing measures, limit crowds to 200-250 people, check customers' temperatures, wear face masks, and provide hand sanitisers.

[53] On 22 September, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that interstate travel and tourist destinations would be allowed to reopen once at least 90% of the adult population had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

[57] On 28 January 2021, Senior Minister (Security) Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the Malaysian Government would temporarily close factories and business premises that failed to comply with the standard operating procedures on COVID-19 prevention in response to outbreaks among migrant workers.