Archive - 1 May 2020

Police to shift some roadblock locations nationwide

Police to shift some roadblock locations nationwide

IGP Abdul Hamid Bador says the roadblocks will be moved to more strategic locations, including to check the entry of illegal immigrants.
Rare earths producer Lynas to restart Malaysian plant as virus curbs ease

Rare earths producer Lynas to restart Malaysian plant as virus curbs ease

This is following Malaysia’s decision to allow the majority of businesses to resume activity on Monday.
China's Hubei, where Covid-19 began, eases lockdown

China's Hubei, where Covid-19 began, eases lockdown

CORONAVIRUS | Hubei is the last province to lower its provincial emergency response level.
MCO has been effective in containing Covid-19 outbreak – Ongkili

MCO has been effective in containing Covid-19 outbreak – Ongkili

The Kota Marudu MP also commends the people in Sabah for the cooperation and understanding rendered throughout the MCO.
Situation under control in Egypt, no urgent need to bring back students – Malaysian ambassador

Situation under control in Egypt, no urgent need to bring back students – Malaysian ambassador

Students also receive contributions in the form of basic needs such as food and medicine from their respective states, says the ambassador.
Tigress at Taiping zoo delivers three cubs

Tigress at Taiping zoo delivers three cubs

With the new additions, the zoo now has eight Malayan tigers.
Raja of Perlis cancels 77th birthday celebration

Raja of Perlis cancels 77th birthday celebration

His Majesty also ordered that the allocation for the celebration should be used for purposes that would be more beneficial to the people of Perlis.
'Economy poised to recover with gradual reopening of sectors under conditional MCO'

'Economy poised to recover with gradual reopening of sectors under conditional MCO'

Economists believe the conditional MCO is the right move to restore the economy without neglecting the health and well-being of the people.
47 pct of Sabah Covid-19 patients get virus from asymptomatic cases

47 pct of Sabah Covid-19 patients get virus from asymptomatic cases

CORONAVIRUS | This is among reasons why all returning students to Sabah have to undergo quarantine before they are allowed to return to their families, says Sabah health director Dr Christina Rundi.
‘Medical community jittery’ – experts urge caution as economy reopens

‘Medical community jittery’ – experts urge caution as economy reopens

CORONAVIRUS | Focus now should be to inform the public that the risk of transmission remains high and to manage the situation to ensure that a third wave of Covid-19 cases does not occur.

First batch of UTeM, UMK students arrive home

First batch of UTeM, UMK students arrive home

The first batch of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) have arrived safely in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor while the first batch of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) students have arrived in Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu.
Health minister: China’s medical experts impressed with Malaysia’s healthcare team

Health minister: China’s medical experts impressed with Malaysia’s healthcare team

CORONAVIRUS | Dr Adham Baba says the Chinese medical expert team also commended Malaysia for its prompt, inclusive and cohesive measures undertaken to address the pandemic.
Raids a signal for migrants to hide even with Covid-19 symptoms, NGOs warn

Raids a signal for migrants to hide even with Covid-19 symptoms, NGOs warn

NGOs say the raids are a signal to all remaining migrant workers not to cooperate with the MCO or other measures to contain Covid-19, lest they get arrested.
MCCC: Commercial activities allowed to operate must strictly adhere to MOH’s SOPs

MCCC: Commercial activities allowed to operate must strictly adhere to MOH’s SOPs

CORONAVIRUS | Businesses are urged to cooperate with the government’s conditional movement control order by refraining from organising mass gatherings or religious activities to help curb Covid-19.
Kelantan DOE will monitor illegal mining activities in Tanah Merah – Tuan Ibrahim

Kelantan DOE will monitor illegal mining activities in Tanah Merah – Tuan Ibrahim

Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man stresses the ministry would not compromise with anyone who caused river pollution.

Ismail Sabri's 'sumptuous' batik shirts get compared to Ramadan delicacies

Ismail Sabri's 'sumptuous' batik shirts get compared to Ramadan delicacies

Defence minister's choice of attire for daily MCO press briefings whets appetite of netizens.

Singapore records 932 new Covid-19 cases, tally exceeds 17,000 mark

Singapore records 932 new Covid-19 cases, tally exceeds 17,000 mark

CORONAVIRUS | The vast majority of the cases are foreign workers in the construction sector serving their stay-home notice (SHN) requirements, says the republic’s Health Ministry.
Thai mom, daughter killed in Penang shophouse blaze

Thai mom, daughter killed in Penang shophouse blaze

Both the bodies were found sprawled on the stairs and the victims were found to have suffered about 10 to 20 percent burns.
More than half of new Covid-19 cases in past 7 days locally transmitted

More than half of new Covid-19 cases in past 7 days locally transmitted

CORONAVIRUS | 248 or 65.3 percent of the 380 new cases were community transmissions, compared to 132 imported cases (34.7 percent).
Umno supreme council to meet Monday

Umno supreme council to meet Monday

This would make Umno the first political party to hold an official meeting while the movement control order is still in effect.
'Conditional MCO is about balancing life and livelihood' - DG

'Conditional MCO is about balancing life and livelihood' - DG

UPDATED 8.05PM | CORONAVIRUS | This new phase will see Malaysia manage the virus' transmission within the community.

Only one-time quarantine for varsity students returning home - minister

Only one-time quarantine for varsity students returning home - minister

CORONAVIRUS | Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) had stated that its students will only be allowed to return after a 14-day quarantine and testing negative for Covid-19.
After raids, Health Ministry vows to protect migrants from Covid-19

After raids, Health Ministry vows to protect migrants from Covid-19

UPDATED 8.26PM | CORONAVIRUS | Health Ministry DG says it does not matter if they are in prison or a detention centre.

Labour laws to be reviewed to suit ‘new normal’

Labour laws to be reviewed to suit ‘new normal’

This would ensure the laws would remain relevant to the current environment in protecting the welfare and safety of workers, says Human Resources Minister M Saravanan.
Enhanced MCO for firms that flout SOPs and have virus outbreaks

Enhanced MCO for firms that flout SOPs and have virus outbreaks

UPDATED 7.55PM | CORONAVIRUS | Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says surveillance and enforcement for each sector and area will be conducted by the relevant authorities along with the Health Ministry.

Authorities enter Menara City One

Authorities enter Menara City One

Police and Immigration were seen allegedly rounding up undocumented migrants at the condominium today.

Six unanswered questions on Monday's resumption of economic, social activities

Six unanswered questions on Monday's resumption of economic, social activities

CORONAVIRUS | Although the NSC release a new set of SOPs on the conditional MCO, several matters remain unclear.

69 new Covid-19 cases, one new fatality

69 new Covid-19 cases, one new fatality

CORONAVIRUS | This is the 17th day that the number of new cases in Malaysia has remained in double digits.

Massive Immigration raid at Masjid India, Menara City One

Massive Immigration raid at Masjid India, Menara City One

UPDATED 8.57PM | Malayan Mansion and Menara Plaza City One are among the buildings raided.

Table for 4 and no more - dining in the 'new normal'

Table for 4 and no more - dining in the 'new normal'

Tables must be separated by two metres and all patrons must have their names, MyKad number, phone number and temperature recorded.
Come Monday, jogging, badminton back on the cards

Come Monday, jogging, badminton back on the cards

CORONAVIRUS | This is in line with the easing of the MCO announced by Muhyiddin today.
Finance minister: Bank Negara needs to improve communication

Finance minister: Bank Negara needs to improve communication

Tengku Zafrul says the misunderstanding over a change in procedure has been clarified by Bank Negara’s FAQ this morning.
Digitisation a new normal to remain competitive, says Azmin Ali in Labour Day message

Digitisation a new normal to remain competitive, says Azmin Ali in Labour Day message

CORONAVIRUS | He says digitisation will help to increase the efficiency and productivity of the workforce.

Saripuddin Kassim is new Mavco executive chairperson

Saripuddin Kassim is new Mavco executive chairperson

He previous post was secretary-general of the Federal Territories Ministry.

‘No additional funds’ - Socso halts processing ERP claims

‘No additional funds’ - Socso halts processing ERP claims

It urges employers to apply to its wage subsidy programme instead.

NSC issues guidelines for businesses in the 'new normal'

NSC issues guidelines for businesses in the 'new normal'

The government has issued 26 new guidelines.

Daycare centres allowed to operate, must ensure social distancing

Daycare centres allowed to operate, must ensure social distancing

CORONAVIRUS | PM also suggests ways for employers to reduce the need for parents to use childcare centres.

COMMENT | Dining at restaurants will no longer be the same again

COMMENT | Dining at restaurants will no longer be the same again

Some suggestions on how to beat the Covid-19 virus.
Harapan willing to welcome you back, says Salahuddin to Johor Bersatu

Harapan willing to welcome you back, says Salahuddin to Johor Bersatu

Amanah deputy president told his former coalition partners it is not too late to turn around.

No balik kampung for Raya - PM

No balik kampung for Raya - PM

CORONAVIRUS | Interstate travel and any activities involving body contact or a large gathering of people are still barred.

List of banned activities during conditional MCO

List of banned activities during conditional MCO

While the government has decided to reopen the economy, some sectors are still barred from resuming business.

Deputy minister points finger at opposition-linked netizens behind anti-Rohingya messages

Deputy minister points finger at opposition-linked netizens behind anti-Rohingya messages

'It is not DAP, but the smoke is coming from people around them.'

ERL to resume limited services on May 4

ERL to resume limited services on May 4

Express rail service will have peak hours during 4pm-6pm due to fasting month.

MOF targets 700k SMEs to benefit from Prihatin Special Grant - Tengku Zafrul

MOF targets 700k SMEs to benefit from Prihatin Special Grant - Tengku Zafrul

CORONAVIRUS | The PSG is a RM3,000 special one-off grant to micro-businesses and application will be open from May 15.

Gov’t decides to reopen businesses to prevent up to RM98b in losses

Gov’t decides to reopen businesses to prevent up to RM98b in losses

PM says country has already lost up to RM63b during MCO since March 18.

Netizens hurl brickbats against finance minister over loan moratorium announcement

Netizens hurl brickbats against finance minister over loan moratorium announcement

The hashtag #BankerJagaBanker is trending on Twitter to protest Bank Negara's move to change the procedure for the moratorium.

PM announces May 4 reopening of most businesses, social activities

PM announces May 4 reopening of most businesses, social activities

CORONAVIRUS | Activities not permitted under conditional MCO include religious activities, Ramadan bazaars, indoor and stadium sports.

Public sector to have staggered working hours, work from home: PM

Public sector to have staggered working hours, work from home: PM

UPDATED 1PM | CORONAVIRUS | Department heads urged to discuss arrangements for staff as gov't loosens MCO restrictions.

Photographer of 'cleaner Malacca River' clarifies pictures taken before MCO

Photographer of 'cleaner Malacca River' clarifies pictures taken before MCO

CORONAVIRUS | The photos of a clean Malacca river was widely shared on social media.

Half of US states easing coronavirus restrictions as jobless numbers grow

Half of US states easing coronavirus restrictions as jobless numbers grow

CORONAVIRUS | This follows as some 30 million Americans have sought unemployment benefits since March 21.

Masjid India Muslim Ipoh distribute 'bubur lambuk' to frontliners

Masjid India Muslim Ipoh distribute 'bubur lambuk' to frontliners

Usually they will offer the traditional Ramadan dish to the public but this year under MCO they're making it for frontliners.

COMMENT | The people shouldn't be burdened by the 'oversight' over the loan moratorium

COMMENT | The people shouldn't be burdened by the 'oversight' over the loan moratorium

The moratorium was meant to ease the people's burden as a result of the economic crunch due to the MCO and coronavirus pandemic.

Hilton to retrench staff amid Covid-19 pandemic

Hilton to retrench staff amid Covid-19 pandemic

Some are to lose their jobs based on the ‘last in-first out’ process.
MTUC sec-gen blasts 'inhumane' Bank Negara hire purchase move

MTUC sec-gen blasts 'inhumane' Bank Negara hire purchase move

J Solomon believes that it will result in many borrowers being penalised with additional charges.

UK is past the peak, says PM Johnson, promising lockdown exit plan

UK is past the peak, says PM Johnson, promising lockdown exit plan

It was his first news conference since recovering from a serious case of Covid-19.
Russian PM tells Putin he has coronavirus

Russian PM tells Putin he has coronavirus

Putin, who was listening on a televised video conference, sighed when he heard the news.
Party leaders need to intervene to dispel tensions in Johor PN - Umno man

Party leaders need to intervene to dispel tensions in Johor PN - Umno man

UPDATED 6.11PM | Bersatu's dissatisfaction with Umno appointments to GLC posts needs to be managed at grassroots level, leaders told.

BNM regrets any confusion caused by procedural change on loan moratorium

BNM regrets any confusion caused by procedural change on loan moratorium

Central bank blames its illustration provided in an earlier version of FAQs, where certain assumptions and caveats were made.

COMMENT | Would you want to be a M’sian politician?

COMMENT | Would you want to be a M’sian politician?

Don't blame younger M’sians for having little desire to enter politics.
Azalina takes jab at Zafrul over procedural change in loan moratorium

Azalina takes jab at Zafrul over procedural change in loan moratorium

She was responding to a report on borrowers needing to sign papers which may allow banks to charge additional interest.

Cops record actor's statement over ring bearing Johor royal crest

Cops record actor's statement over ring bearing Johor royal crest

Fashion personality and actor Wak Doyok was called in to facilitate investigations into the ordering of the ring.
COMMENT | Anwar should be opposition leader in Parliament

COMMENT | Anwar should be opposition leader in Parliament

'I am somewhat saddened that Mahathir did not propose Anwar to be the new opposition leader.'

Glove firm's 'Covid-19 Heroes' scheme 'underpays' workers who toil 7 days a week

Glove firm's 'Covid-19 Heroes' scheme 'underpays' workers who toil 7 days a week

CORONAVIRUS | Top Glove says it’s a volunteer programme so staff just gets token payment, but some workers feel exploited.

No undocumented migrants have volunteered for Covid-19 test yet - minister

No undocumented migrants have volunteered for Covid-19 test yet - minister

CORONAVIRUS | Ismail Sabri says this was despite assurance from gov't not to take action against them.

Coronavirus’ slow mutation could be good news for vaccine makers

Coronavirus’ slow mutation could be good news for vaccine makers

CORONAVIRUS | It has proteins that act as ‘proofreaders’ to fix some of its mistakes when making copies of itself.
Coronavirus was 'not manmade or genetically modified' -  US spy agency

Coronavirus was 'not manmade or genetically modified' - US spy agency

Director of National Intelligence's statement contradicts theories floated by US president and some of his supporters.

Two more states without Covid-19, and 9 news from yesterday

Two more states without Covid-19, and 9 news from yesterday

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

YOURSAY | Can Muhyiddin rise to the occasion in new Covid-19 world?

YOURSAY | Can Muhyiddin rise to the occasion in new Covid-19 world?

‘The virus may be the best antidote to the Mahathirist ills, which the country has long endured.’
Trump confident coronavirus may have originated in Chinese lab

Trump confident coronavirus may have originated in Chinese lab

US president claimed he had seen evidence the virus came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

How two organisations use social media to weather Covid-19 economic crisis

How two organisations use social media to weather Covid-19 economic crisis

CORONAVIRUS | MCO has caused business to dry up with an almost complete economic shutdown of country.

'Threatening migrants with detention will scare them off Covid-19 testing'

'Threatening migrants with detention will scare them off Covid-19 testing'

CORONAVIRUS | Activist says this reverses work NGOs have done convincing foreigners it is safe to come forward.

Blue tribute to frontliners

Blue tribute to frontliners

KINILENS | Landmarks throughout the Federal Territories are lit blue as tribute to healthcare workers and other frontliners battling Covid-19.