National Security Council 15 Part IV DECLARATION OF SECURITY AREA Declaration of security area 18. (1) Where the Council advises the Prime Minister that the security in any area in Malaysia is seriously disturbed or threatened by any person, matter or thing which causes or is likely to cause serious harm to the people, or serious harm to the territories, economy, national key infrastructure of Malaysia or any other interest of Malaysia, and requires immediate national response, the Prime Minister may, if he considers it to be necessary in the interest of national security, declare in writing the area as a security area. (2) A declaration made under subsection (1) shall— (a) apply only to such security area as specified in the declaration; and (b) cease to have effect upon the expiration of the period specified in subsection (3) or upon the expiration of the period of renewal specified in subsection (4), or in accordance with subsection (6). (3) A declaration made under subsection (1) shall, but without prejudice to anything previously done by virtue of the declaration, cease to have effect upon the expiration of six months from the date it comes into force. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3), a declaration in force may be renewed by the Prime Minister from time to time for such period, not exceeding six months at a time, as may be specified in the declaration. (5) A declaration made under subsection (1) and a renewal of declaration made under subsection (4) shall be published in such manner as the Prime Minister thinks necessary for bringing it to the notice of the public. (6) A declaration made under subsection (1) and the renewal of declaration made under subsection (4) shall be published in the Gazette and laid before Parliament as soon as possible after it has been made, and if resolutions are passed by both Houses of