The Government of Malaysia along with various non governmental organisations (NGOs), companies, and foreign governments introduced various financial aid and relief programs in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. In 27 March 2020, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin introduced an economic stimulus package known as the Prihatin ("caring package") worth RM250 billion.
Between January and March 2020, the Sabah state government and various NGOs raised aid and medical supplies for China. Following the rise in COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, local companies and the Chinese government were involved in the distribution of aid and medical supplies in Malaysia. In addition, Malaysia received aid from the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey and the multinational corporation McDonald's.
Mercy Malaysia, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society along with various banks and telecommunications companies also provided customers with various forms of financial assistances and discounted services during the pandemic.
Economic stimulus plan
On 23 March 2020, the Malaysian Government allocated RM600 million to the Ministry of Health for the purchase of equipment and to hire contract personnel, especially nurses. It has also announced that contributors of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) can withdraw up to RM500 per month for 12 months.
On 27 March, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin launched an economic stimulus package known as the Prihatin ("caring package") worth RM250 billion. This package consists of RM128 billion for welfare assistance, RM100 billion to support small and medium businesses, RM2 billion to strengthen the country's economy, and a RM20 billion stimulus package that was previously announced by the government. An allocation of RM130 million was also distributed equally to all states to help overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the central bank Bank Negara Malaysia also cut interest rates to 1%.