Archive - 20 March 2020

Police deny issuing summons at Taman TTDI roadblock

Police deny issuing summons at Taman TTDI roadblock

The roadblock was set up to advise motorists to stay at home unless they have urgent matters to attend to.

Health minister’s Covid-19 prevention tip doesn’t hold water

Health minister’s Covid-19 prevention tip doesn’t hold water

CORONAVIRUS | Tip to 'wash away' virus by drinking warm water not recommended by doctors and is not evidence-based - surgeon.

Absurd for gov't to deploy military on Sunday - Anwar

Absurd for gov't to deploy military on Sunday - Anwar

He says there is no need for the army when the police can handle the situation.

Health Ministry confirms third Covid-19 death

Health Ministry confirms third Covid-19 death

UPDATED 11.48PM | CORONAVIRUS | The 58-year-old victim was part of the tabligh cluster.

Stay at home, keep calm and don't spread fake news - king

Stay at home, keep calm and don't spread fake news - king

He urges Malaysians to abide by the movement control order imposed by the government.

Anwar accuses home minister of wooing MPs instead of fighting Covid-19

Anwar accuses home minister of wooing MPs instead of fighting Covid-19

He adds that the on-going attempts to woo PKR lawmaker sare proof that PN is fragile.

Miti: Companies given approval to operate must provide permission letters for employees

Miti: Companies given approval to operate must provide permission letters for employees

It says the permission to work is limited to the number of workers approved for a particular company.
Veterans group says army involvement 'too hasty'

Veterans group says army involvement 'too hasty'

Patriot says the police must be given the chance to enforce the MCO and military involvement should be a last resort.

Covid 19: A clash of contemporary civilisation

Covid 19: A clash of contemporary civilisation

LETTER | The clash is one of religion and traditions versus science.

Agong to address nation on control order tonight

Agong to address nation on control order tonight

The address will be broadcasted live by RTM and TV3.

Sufficient supply of poultry, eggs during MCO - minister

Sufficient supply of poultry, eggs during MCO - minister

Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Ronald Kiandee says suppliers have given their assurances that there is no shortage.

Dr M: Muhyiddin's move to axe Marzuki invalid

Dr M: Muhyiddin's move to axe Marzuki invalid

Bersatu chairperson says he was never consulted as required by the party constitution.

RON95 petrol prices slashed by 20pct, now at RM1.44 per litre

RON95 petrol prices slashed by 20pct, now at RM1.44 per litre

Free falling crude oil prices cause fuel prices to plunge.

Issue of stranded M'sians being discussed with India: Consulate

Issue of stranded M'sians being discussed with India: Consulate

CORONAVIRUS | M'sia and India govts are looking for ways to evacuate about 1,000 stuck in Tamil Nadu after flight suspension.

Covid-19: 130 new cases pushes M'sia past 1,000 mark

Covid-19: 130 new cases pushes M'sia past 1,000 mark

CORONAVIRUS | With 1,030 cases, Malaysia has overtaken Japan in the number of Covid-19 infections.

MH17 trial to continue on March 23, numbers to be limited

MH17 trial to continue on March 23, numbers to be limited

Only one public prosecutor will be present instead of three, while the court will not allow the press nor the public to be present.

Annuar urges undocumented migrant workers, refugees to undergo Covid-19 test

Annuar urges undocumented migrant workers, refugees to undergo Covid-19 test

He says they may not want to go for the health screening for fear of immigration action against them.

TM employee tests positive for Covid-19

TM employee tests positive for Covid-19

Menara TM One has been placed on immediate lockdown since last night.

Lorry rams into roadblock in KL, five cops injured

Lorry rams into roadblock in KL, five cops injured

Driver lost control of his vehicle in the incident that happened at 12.45am today.

Miti urged to name factories exempted from MCO

Miti urged to name factories exempted from MCO

This will prevent some employers from lying to their staff about exemptions, says PSM.

Pro-Harapan MPs claim annual allocations pulled

Pro-Harapan MPs claim annual allocations pulled

UPDATED 9.53PM | What wrong have the people of Muar done? What wrong have I done? asks Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman.

Kit Siang: We're at war, tell us the worst-case scenarios

Kit Siang: We're at war, tell us the worst-case scenarios

DAP veteran underscores the importance of effective communication as well as for the PM and his ministers to earn the people's trust.
Movement control order: UMS Labuan denies 100 students left starving

Movement control order: UMS Labuan denies 100 students left starving

We will ensure the students are comfortable throughout the order period, says UMS vice-chancellor Taufiq Yap Yun Hin.

MCO: Food trucks not allowed to operate in KL, Putrajaya

MCO: Food trucks not allowed to operate in KL, Putrajaya

CORONAVIRUS | This is because food trucks tend to attract large crowds, says Annuar Musa.

Gov't to bear cost of meals for students staying in colleges - Ismail Sabri

Gov't to bear cost of meals for students staying in colleges - Ismail Sabri

CORONAVIRUS | This is on top of aid by some state gov'ts and will help 60,000 tertiary students during the control order.

Penang civil servants to get salaries today

Penang civil servants to get salaries today

CORONAVIRUS | CM Chow Kon Yeow says the early payment is in appreciation of efforts to help tackle the Covid-19 epidemic.

TNB suspends supply disconnection, meter reading during MCO

TNB suspends supply disconnection, meter reading during MCO

It says technical employees will continue working to ensure continuous service and supply.

After 150pct hike in face mask price, ex-minister cries foul

After 150pct hike in face mask price, ex-minister cries foul

UPDATED 5.17PM | CORONAVIRUS | Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says producers never asked for price increase during his last meeting with them.

Kedah police bring suspected attendee of tabligh gathering for Covid-19 test

Kedah police bring suspected attendee of tabligh gathering for Covid-19 test

CORONAVIRUS | The man claimed to have been tested previously but failed to show any evidence.

Battle against Covid-19 sees 15 healthcare workers infected, one in ICU

Battle against Covid-19 sees 15 healthcare workers infected, one in ICU

CORONAVIRUS | Health DG implores public to stay at home to curb the spread of the virus.

Rohingya group willing to collaborate with ministries to curb Covid-19

Rohingya group willing to collaborate with ministries to curb Covid-19

CORONAVIRUS | Only 200 Rohingya attended full tabligh programme says Rohingya NGO Merhrom.

#FrontlinersFirst to provide subsidised childcare services to MOH frontliners

#FrontlinersFirst to provide subsidised childcare services to MOH frontliners

CORONAVIRUS | Finding childcare is a critical problem faced by healthcare providers battling Covid-19.

PKR rep organises crowd control measures in Juru wet market

PKR rep organises crowd control measures in Juru wet market

He says steps include marking boundary lines to enforce social distancing and limiting the number of people in the market at any one time.

Take the MCO very seriously, but do remain calm, cool and cheerful!

Take the MCO very seriously, but do remain calm, cool and cheerful!

COMMENT | It was surreal to see Malaysians panic-buying and the supermarkets packed with people and emptied shelves.

Agong monitors control order compliance, praises frontliners for hardwork

Agong monitors control order compliance, praises frontliners for hardwork

CORONAVIRUS | King also expresses disappointment on many vehicles still plying the road.

Rohingya, UN step up efforts to get Malaysia refugees screened for virus

Rohingya, UN step up efforts to get Malaysia refugees screened for virus

One NGO is spreading text messages to the community, urging those who attend a religious event on Feb 27 and March 1 to get tested for Covid-19.

AirAsia says review cleared Airbus sponsorships

AirAsia says review cleared Airbus sponsorships

It says the sponsorship of a now-defunct sports team with Airbus did not influence the airline's purchase decisions.

Penang: Only factories in 'essential' category still operating

Penang: Only factories in 'essential' category still operating

The factories have sought permission from MITI to continue operating with less workers, says Invest Penang head.

Come voluntarily before cops come for you, minister warns tabligh participants

Come voluntarily before cops come for you, minister warns tabligh participants

CORONAVIRUS | Ismail Sabri urges 4,000 Sri Petaling tabligh participants to step forward for Covid-19 screening before police come knocking on their doors.

Banks offer 6-month moratorium on loan repayments

Banks offer 6-month moratorium on loan repayments

UPDATED 7.37PM |CORONAVIRUS | Applicable to most banks, this could also include restructuring and rescheduling of financing facilities.

Trump cancels G7 at Camp David over coronavirus, to hold video-conference instead

Trump cancels G7 at Camp David over coronavirus, to hold video-conference instead

CORONAVIRUS | The decision comes as nations seal their borders and ban travel to stop the virus’ spread.

Muhyiddin tightens grip on Bersatu, sacks sec-gen

Muhyiddin tightens grip on Bersatu, sacks sec-gen

The secretary-general plays an important role in the upcoming party AGMs and election.

Flexible work arrangements deserve more than just this Covid-19 crash-course

Flexible work arrangements deserve more than just this Covid-19 crash-course

LETTER | The benefits of FWAs goes beyond coping with Covid-19 and can be a boon Malaysians in many ways.

Minister urges supermarkets to screen customers to curb Covid-19

Minister urges supermarkets to screen customers to curb Covid-19

CORONAVIRUS | No enforcement but we encourage supermarkets to do temperature screening of customers, says Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Party-goers, religious followers and us: whose rights should prevail?

Party-goers, religious followers and us: whose rights should prevail?

LETTER | As social distancing is being urged to fight Covid-19, some groups are calling it a 'violation' to their freedoms.

Gov’t increases face mask ceiling prices

Gov’t increases face mask ceiling prices

UPDATED 2.25PM | CORONAVIRUS | It has also completely banned the export of face masks to all other countries.

Movement control order: M'sians urged to contact high com in S'pore

Movement control order: M'sians urged to contact high com in S'pore

Malaysian High Commissioner Zainol Rahim Zainuddin: They are advised to contact the High Commission for assistance and advice.

PJ police disperse huge crowd at Section 17 market

PJ police disperse huge crowd at Section 17 market

The crowd grew up to 100 people at one point.

Control order: Army to be deployed starting Sunday to assist cops

Control order: Army to be deployed starting Sunday to assist cops

UPDATED 4.09PM | CORONAVIRUS | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri says this is to ensure people stay at home.

Be truthful, urges DG after Covid-19 patients withhold crucial info

Be truthful, urges DG after Covid-19 patients withhold crucial info

Hisham warns it is a crime to conceal information and rues how the callous behaviour puts healthcare workers at risk.

RTD closes counters after departments swarmed

RTD closes counters after departments swarmed

CORONAVIRUS | Transport minister says it will not be operating until movement control order ends on March 31.

Wan Azizah, Yeoh call for additional allocation for frontliners

Wan Azizah, Yeoh call for additional allocation for frontliners

CORONAVIRUS | 'We should be protecting them as they are fighting to protect us who are at home.'

Unsung heroes of MCO period: Food delivery riders

Unsung heroes of MCO period: Food delivery riders

CORONAVIRUS | Many can't get hold of face masks despite coming into contact with many people daily.

Start a second economic stimulus package to deal with Covid-19, says PKR VP

Start a second economic stimulus package to deal with Covid-19, says PKR VP

Xavier Jayakumar says the gov't is slow in taking steps needed to stem the country's economic freefall.

'Is that it?': Report into death of doctor who raised coronavirus alarm underwhelms

'Is that it?': Report into death of doctor who raised coronavirus alarm underwhelms

CORONAVIRUS | Chinese report has drawn criticism online after it merely suggested reprimand on Dr Li Wenliang be withdrawn.

Penang CM to join NSC special meeting on Covid-19

Penang CM to join NSC special meeting on Covid-19

He says the will be raising four issues at the meeting in Putrajaya at 3pm today.

Contagion: Latest on the coronavirus pandemic around the world

Contagion: Latest on the coronavirus pandemic around the world

The virus has infected more than 234,000 people across the world and the death toll exceeds 9,700.

Covid-19: S'gor announces stimulus package, K’tan announces RM5m allocation

Covid-19: S'gor announces stimulus package, K’tan announces RM5m allocation

UPDATED 1.53PM | CORONAVIRUS | Healthcare personnel, students, business operators among those to receive assistance, says Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Stay inside - don't go out for a jog, says Health DG

Stay inside - don't go out for a jog, says Health DG

CORONAVIRUS | Noor Hisham urges the public not to go outside to exercise.

CDC reports 10,491 coronavirus cases, 150 deaths in US

CDC reports 10,491 coronavirus cases, 150 deaths in US

The death toll had risen by 53 to 150, the biggest one-day jump so far.
What's so special about timber, palm oil?

What's so special about timber, palm oil?

LETTER | Gov't should not allow palm plantations, timber industry to operate as the country shuts businesses to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Public office accountability in times of crisis

Public office accountability in times of crisis

MP SPEAKS | To what extent is gov't machinery liable for any failures, including being negligent in carrying out duties?

Labuan cops forcibly take man in for Covid-19 screening

Labuan cops forcibly take man in for Covid-19 screening

CORONAVIRUS | The 68-year-old is the father of an attendee of the Sri Petaling mosque tabligh gathering.

Diplomatic spat with China bubbles as Brazil coronavirus cases top 600

Diplomatic spat with China bubbles as Brazil coronavirus cases top 600

Brazil president's son blames the global spread of the virus on China.

Watching patients die alone breaks doctors' hearts in provincial Italy hospital

Watching patients die alone breaks doctors' hearts in provincial Italy hospital

They die alone, without a loved one by their side, often having to say their final farewell over a scratchy cell phone line.
What is herd immunity and will it affect the pandemic?

What is herd immunity and will it affect the pandemic?

Here are some insights from infectious disease specialists.
UK puts military on standby, queen addresses anxious nation

UK puts military on standby, queen addresses anxious nation

CORONAVIRUS | People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to, says London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Has Muhyiddin blown the opportunity to show leadership?

Has Muhyiddin blown the opportunity to show leadership?

COMMENT | During this challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic, the PM’s ill-thought-out plans and lack of leadership have eroded our trust.

India executes four men convicted in 2012 Delhi bus rape and murder

India executes four men convicted in 2012 Delhi bus rape and murder

The men were executed at dawn in Tihar jail, on the outskirts of New Delhi.
Teresa Kok tests negative for Covid-19

Teresa Kok tests negative for Covid-19

Seputeh MP submitted herself for testing after two DAP MPs from Sarawak found positive for coronavirus.

Bugged by the bug

Bugged by the bug

COMMENT | The long wait queuing at the cashier allowed me to see Malaysians at their best and their worst.

Retired doctors to be roped in if Covid-19 cases spike - Adham

Retired doctors to be roped in if Covid-19 cases spike - Adham

CORONAVIRUS | Services of retired and military doctors required if too many people infected, says Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.

Considerations at this time of the coronavirus spread

Considerations at this time of the coronavirus spread

LETTER | Wider considerations to reflect on during this period of calamity - not just in Malaysia, but around the world as well.

Yoursay: Struggling businesses will be hard pressed to pay workers

Yoursay: Struggling businesses will be hard pressed to pay workers

YOURSAY | ‘Most businesses are already barely surviving in the last two years before the arrival of Covid-19.’
Exhausted Dutch minister leading coronavirus fight quits after fainting

Exhausted Dutch minister leading coronavirus fight quits after fainting

Medical Care Minister Bruno Bruins, 56, fell to the floor in Parliament, while taking questions.

Alibaba, Jack Ma to donate 2 mil masks to M'sia and three other Asean countries

Alibaba, Jack Ma to donate 2 mil masks to M'sia and three other Asean countries

UPDATED 10.50AM | CORONAVIRUS | They will also send 150,000 test kits, 200,000 protective suits and 20,000 face shields.

Sarawak PAS chief seems to be different from the PAS breed

Sarawak PAS chief seems to be different from the PAS breed

COMMENT | When you have a diehard party man like Jofri helming PAS in Sarawak, the party is here to stay.

Yoursay: PM, we may have lost Covid-19 battle even before it started

Yoursay: PM, we may have lost Covid-19 battle even before it started

YOURSAY | ‘Come down hard on those who remain indifferent or adamant. Don't appeal. Don't beg.’
Dang Wang police chief: Viral audio recording is fake

Dang Wang police chief: Viral audio recording is fake

CORONAVIRUS | He denied the claim that his brother-in-law was behind a viral audio recording claiming a state of emergency will be declared.
Coronavirus deaths in Italy overtake China as global death toll nears 10,000

Coronavirus deaths in Italy overtake China as global death toll nears 10,000

CORONAVIRUS | With over 236,000 infections and more than 9,700 deaths, the epidemic has stunned the world.

RM3.3b allocated to help SMEs tide over Covid19 - Tengku Zafrul

RM3.3b allocated to help SMEs tide over Covid19 - Tengku Zafrul

SMEs can apply online through the business financing reference platform website, says the finance minister.

Mara defers student and business loans

Mara defers student and business loans

This is for students and entrepreneurs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Majlis Amanah Rakyat announces.

Dr Mahathir quarantined and 9 news from yesterday

Dr Mahathir quarantined and 9 news from yesterday

KINI ROUNDUP | Key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.

Sudden partial shutdown leaves low-income people in a lurch

Sudden partial shutdown leaves low-income people in a lurch

For one golf caddie, golf course closures mean his family has no money to eat.

Man arrested for abusing cops after being told to disperse

Man arrested for abusing cops after being told to disperse

The 30-year-old was told to comply with the movement control order, but tried to argue with the police instead.

Armoured vehicles deployed for training purposes, says chief of defence force

Armoured vehicles deployed for training purposes, says chief of defence force

General Affendi Buang says armoured vehicles not for taking over the current situation in the country.