The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (Piam) has assured that the proclamation of emergency, which began on Jan 11 and will last until August, won't void general insurance claims.

"Piam wishes to assure all general insurance policyholders that claims incurred during the emergency proclamation period will be paid according to their policy terms and conditions.

"All policyholders, both businesses and individuals, are advised to obtain more information from their respective insurance companies," it said in a statement.

Yesterday, Istana Negara confirmed that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to a national state of emergency at the government's request.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the emergency is to combat the spread of Covid-19 and assured that elections will be restored once the pandemic is under control.

In his speech on the proclamation of emergency, Muhyiddin also noted efforts to pressure him into holding snap polls during the pandemic, something which the prime minister said he is unwilling to do.

Umno has accused Muhyiddin of using the emergency to get around the fact that he now runs a minority government.

Three Umno MPs have renounced Muhyiddin to date, leaving him in control of 109 out of 220 MPs. Two more seats are vacant.