Most frequently-asked questions for the Defence Ministry on the Movement Control Order (MCO):
OPERATION AND TRAINING
1. Are the Armed Forces (ATM) involved in the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO)?
A: Yes. As announced on March 20 by the Defence Minister, who is also the chairman of the Special Ministers Meeting, the ATM will be mobilised to help the police throughout the execution period of the MCO.
They will be assisting the police in carrying out inspections at roadblocks beginning on Sunday (March 22) until the MCO is completely lifted. This military involvement is in accordance with Section 5 of the Prevention and Control of Disease Act Consequences of 1988 (Act 342), which empowers the Minister to authorise any agency which it deems necessary to implement the regulations.
2. Will the ATM continue its regular operations at all Malaysian borders during this time?
A: Yes, all ATM operations within and outside the country will continue as usual, maintaining existing local and overseas placements in the 'Responsibility Area'. The continuation is also a prevention measure undertaken to eliminate further spread of the outbreak.
3. Will trainings and courses for the ATM/Voluntary members still go on during this period?
A: No. All courses and training, both internally and internationally, are temporarily stopped from March 18 to 31, 2020.
4. Will the ATM carry on with the recruitment of new soldiers, as planned ahead of the MCO?
A: The ATM have decided to delay the recruitment process for new recruits/soldiers to another date, which is yet to be confirmed.
HEALTH
5. Can public seek treatment or test for Covid-19 at the ATM Hospital?
A: Currently, members of public with symptoms of Covid-19 can undergo screening at the ATM Hospital, but the confirmation/final report has to come from hospitals under the Health Ministry.
ATM MUSEUM
6. Is the Army Museum open to the public during the MCO?
A: No, the Army Museum is temporarily closed.
VETERAN ATM SERVICES DEPARTMENT (JHEV)
7. Will the ATM's JHEV counters handling Veteran Affairs remain open?
A: No. JHEV ATM Customer Service Counters in each division and state are closed, but application and inquiries can still be made via the JHEV hotline at 03-2050 8000 or by emailing www.jhev_atm.com.
8. Will the MCO order affect the ongoing ATM welfare assistance programme?
A: No, all welfare assistance, including newly applied members who meet the stipulated conditions, will continue to receive assistance as scheduled within the stipulated time.
Welfare assistance not affected by the MCO are:
a. Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH).
b. Patient assistance equipment
c. Natural disaster aid
d. Admission to public university (UA)/polytechnics.
e. School-going children’s aid
9. What about pension arrangements for Veteran ATMs?
A: The pension arrangement will continue undisrupted, as usual.
ATM'S OFFICIAL INFORMATION CHANNELS
10. Where can I get more information about the Defence Ministry and the ATM?
A: For further inquiries or information please contact the hotline 03-2059 8400 or visit the Defence Ministry’s and ATM’s official social media pages.