Circular No 071/2020
Dated 21 Mar 2020

Update on COVID-19 | Movement Control Order and Travelling to Do YBGK Work

We would like to thank all volunteer YBGK (Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan or National Legal Aid Foundation) lawyers for the important work that they have been doing in providing legal representation to persons snared in the criminal justice system.  In particular, we would like to thank them for their preparedness to represent persons who do not have legal representation, when the country is under a Movement Control Order, knowing very well the health risk they are taking.  The Bar Council salutes these heroes who have put their duty before themselves.

We understand that over the coming days, further restrictions may be imposed to limit travel from one point to another.  In order to assist YBGK lawyers as they travel to the courts / police stations to represent arrested persons, the state Legal Aid Centres (“LACs”) will issue a letter of authorisation to each YBGK lawyer who is on the duty roster and who is required to travel during this period, when the Movement Control Order is in place.

The state LACs will follow up with the volunteer YBGK lawyers in their states in relation to this matter.

Please do take all necessary precautions when you are attending to this duty.

Thank you and stay safe.

A G Kalidas
Secretary
Malaysian Bar