Covid-19 Related Announcements

This section provides all capital market announcements related to Covid-19 and the Movement Control Order (MCO) issued by the SC and other financial authorities.

Guidance and Relief Measures for the Capital Market
4 October 2021
Update on Flexibilities in Complying with Take-over Offer Requirements under Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and Rules on Take-overs, Mergers and Compulsory Acquisitions

On 23 April 2020, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) accorded flexibilities in complying with the relevant requirements under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA) and the Rules on Take-overs, Mergers and Compulsory Acquisitions (Rules) to facilitate the implementation of take-over offers during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
3 June 2021
Flexibilities to Capital Markets Services Licence Holders and Registered Persons

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today confirms some targeted flexibilities in relation to the time limits specified in our regulatory requirements. This will give firms temporary relief arising from the current Movement Control Order 3.0 commencing from 1 June 2021 to address the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in Malaysia.
19 March 2021
SC and Bursa Malaysia Grant Waiver for Companies Seeking to List

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) today provided further details on the additional relief measures under the PEMERKASA Strategic Programme announced by the Prime Minister on 17 March 2021.
17 February 2021
SC and Bursa Malaysia Announce Additional Temporary Relief Measures for Listed Issuers
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) today announced temporary relief measures for listed issuers in addition to those introduced in 2020 [1]. These additional measures will allow listed issuers more time to prepare their financial statements and put in place regularisation plans amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Circular - Regulatory Flexibilities to Capital Markets Services Licence Holders and Registered Persons
12 January 2021
Guidance and FAQs on the Conduct of General Meetings for Listed Issuers

This Guidance and FAQs on the Conduct of General Meetings for Listed Issuers (Guidance Note) was first issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) on 18 April 2020 with the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO). Please click the links below for the revised Guidance Note and Application Form for Time Limited Travel Exemption (Fully Virtual General Meeting)
Guidance Note (pdf)
(Date Issued: 18 April 2020)
(Revised: 12 January 2021)
Form - Application for Time Limited Travel Exemption (Fully Virtual General Meeting)(MS Word)
13 October 2020
Only fully virtual general meetings to be conducted in states subject to Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)
The Securities Commission Malaysia today issued an update of the Guidance Note on the Conduct of General Meetings for Listed Issuers (Guidance Note) in line with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) which takes effect in Sabah, Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya from 13 to 27 October 2020. The Guidance Note highlights that a general meeting conducted in states or districts under CMCO shall be conducted in a fully virtual manner only, where all shareholders participate in the meeting online.
Guidance and FAQs on the Conduct of General Meetings for Listed Issuers
28 September 2020
SC and Bursa Malaysia Extend Temporary Margin Financing Flexibilities to 31 December 2020
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) have extended the temporary relief measures relating to margin financing to 31 December 2020. The relief measures, which took effect on 27 March 2020, are due to expire on 30 September 2020.
12 August 2020
SC Grants M-Reits Temporary Increase in Gearing Limit
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) announced today that it will temporarily increase the gearing limit for Malaysian real estate investment trusts (M-REITs) from 50% to 60%, effective immediately, until 31 December 2022.
8 May 2020
SC Issues Guidance on Covid-19 Health and Safety Measures for Capital Market Participants
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) issued guidance today for capital market participants (CMPs) , outlining health and safety measures to be taken in planning and managing their return to operations at full capacity. This follows the Government’s announcement to restart the economy from 4 May 2020 onwards.
Guidance for Standard Operating Procedure on Health and Safety Measures Against Covid-19 Pandemic for Capital Market Participants
(Revised: 19 June 2020)
23 April 2020
SC Introduces Flexibilities in Complying with Take-Over Offer Requirements
The Securities Commission Malaysia today introduces flexibilities in complying with the requirements under Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA) and Rules on Take-overs, Mergers and Compulsory Acquisitions (Rules) during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
Flexibilities in complying with take-over offer requirements under Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and Rules on Take-overs, Mergers and Compulsory Acquisitions
18 April 2020
SC Issues Guidance on Virtual Meetings for Listed Issuers
The Securities Commission Malaysia today issued a Guidance Note on the Conduct of General Meetings for Listed Issuers (Guidance Note) and stated that listed issuers shall only conduct fully virtual general meetings during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
Guidance and FAQs on the Conduct of General Meetings for Listed Issuers
16 April 2020
Further Flexibilities to Capital Market Services Licence Holders and Registered Persons
In addition to the flexibilities accorded on 20 March 2020, the SC is granting further extensions or flexibilities to licensed and registered persons, as part of the SC’s wider relief package for the capital market in support of the Government’s measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
16 April 2020
SC Announces Series of Capital Market Measures to Support Businesses
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today announced further reliefs for public listed companies (PLCs), and is considering additional measures to facilitate greater access to funding for small and midcap companies, as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
7 April 2020
The SC’s AOB Emphasise the Need for High Quality Audit in light of Covid-19
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC)’s Audit Oversight Board (AOB) today issued a circular to auditors and audit committees regarding the importance of ensuring high quality of audit on financial reports of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
AOB Communications to Auditors and Audit Committee
26 March 2020
Margin financing flexibilities for capital market participants
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) announced today that it has approved additional measures by Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) to assist market participants in this volatile and challenging market environment.
24 March 2020
SC Announces Further Relief Measures for Capital Market Licensed Entities
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) announced further relief measures today, which will immediately benefit 231 licensed entities, 30 registered audit firms and 9663 licensed individuals.
20 March 2020
SC Grants Regulatory Flexibilities for Market Participants
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today announced that it will grant flexibilities for capital market participants in meeting selected regulatory requirements, in view of Covid-19 and the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) between 18 to 31 March 2020.
Circular to Capital Markets Services Licence Holders
17 March 2020
Capital Market Regulators grant flexibility for Listed Issuers on AGMs and Issuance of Periodic Reports
Following the introduction of the Movement Control Order (MCO) that will take effect 18 to 31 March 2020 (Restricted Period), the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa) are allowing listed issuers greater flexibility on the timing of annual general meetings (AGMs) and issuance of quarterly and annual reports.
27 February 2020
Capital Market-related Measures to Support the Malaysian Economy
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is working with the Government and other relevant parties to implement capital market-related measures announced in the economic stimulus package by YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Investors
12 January 2021
The SC Continues to Operate During the Movement Control Order (MCO) Period from 13-26 January 2021.
We regretfully will not be able to accept any walk-in enquiries or complaints, in compliance with the MCO SOP.
24 April 2020
SC Advises Investors to be on Alert for Covid-19 Investment Scams and Unauthorised Digital Asset Exchanges
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today cautions the public to be on the alert for any individuals or entities that may try to take advantage of the latest developments of Covid-19 to entrap them into investing in illegal investment schemes.
Market Trading/Operations
26 August 2021
Intraday Short Selling Suspension Extended to End of 2021
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) will further extend the temporary suspension on Intraday Short Selling (IDSS) and intraday short selling by Proprietary Day Traders (PDT Short Sale) to 31 December 2021. Accordingly, temporary waivers related to proprietary day trading will also be extended to 31 December 2021.
23 July 2021
SOPs During the National Recovery Plan for Capital Market Participants
National Recovery Plan - Phase 1
National Recovery Plan - Phase 2
14 July 2021
Update: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Capital Market Participants in EMCO areas in Selangor
Following the issuance of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Capital Market sector during the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) by Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) dated 13 July 2021, the following capital market participants (CMPs) and their chain of critical service providers have been recognised as essential services in the currently enforced EMCO areas:
Securities and derivatives brokers;
Fund management and unit trust management companies;
Recognised market operators (RMOs); and
REIT managers and REIT property managers
31 May 2021
SOPs Tightened for Capital Market Participants, Only Fully Virtual AGMs Allowed during Total Lockdown
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) affirms that the capital market will continue to remain open and operate as usual within normal trading hours throughout the total lockdown period announced by YAB Prime Minister on 28 May 2021.
10 May 2021
SC and Bursa Malaysia to End Temporary Revision of Market Management and Control Mechanisms
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) will reinstate market management and control mechanisms, namely the dynamic and static price limits for FBMKLCI Index Component Stocks and the Bursa Malaysia Circuit Breaker trigger levels, to their original parameters on 31 May 2021.
13 January 2021
Capital Market Participants to Operate in Accordance with SOPs
Capital market entities supervised, licensed or registered by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) shall operate in accordance with the applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the authorities during the Emergency Ordinance and various forms of Movement Control Order (MCO) period. This follows on from the statement yesterday by the Minister of Finance that the capital market remains open during this period as it supports the resilience and recovery of the Malaysian economy.
SOPs during the MCO for capital market participants (pdf)
26 June 2020
SC and Bursa Malaysia Extend Short Selling Suspension Until 31 December 2020
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) have decided to further extend the temporary suspension of short-selling to 31 December 2020.
28 April 2020
SC and Bursa Extend Temporary Short Selling Suspension Amid Covid-19 Volatility
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) have extended the temporary suspension of short-selling to 30 June 2020.
9 April 2020
The SC Reminds Fund Managers and Unit Trust Management Companies to Prioritise Investors’ Interests During Covid-19
In view of the unprecedented and volatile market conditions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has reminded fund management and unit trust management companies of their obligations to act in the best interest of investors at all times and ensure fair treatment of their clients.
Circular to Fund Management Companies and Unit Trust Management Companies
23 March 2020
SC and Bursa Suspend Short-Selling Amid Covid-19 Volatility
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) today announced that short-selling will be temporarily suspended until 30 April 2020.
19 March 2020
Continued, reliable access to the Malaysian capital market is vital for immediate and long-term market confidence
Containing Covid-19 is a top priority for the Government, facilitated by a fully-functioning financial system, including the stock market. The regulators, Exchange and market participants can fully function and support the marketplace while abiding by the Movement Control Order.
Frequently-Asked-Questions
30 March 2020
Capital Market Frequently Asked Questions Related to Covid-19
The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), as the regulator of the capital market remains operational during the Movement Control Order (MCO) from 18 March until 12 May 2020. Continuous trading and market operation are maintained, to facilitate issuers, market participants and investors to manage their risks and opportunities during this period. The SC will remain vigilant and will continue to monitor the ongoing developments to proactively manage risks in the marketplace and will introduce additional precautionary measures as appropriate, in order to maintain market integrity.

Infographics - Capital Market Measures for Business and Industry

Infographics - Covid-19: Capital Market Operations and Relief Measures

Covid-19 Updates from Related Agencies

SC Related Updates