Archive - 18 March 2021

Monsoon transition phase will last until mid-May, says minister

Monsoon transition phase will last until mid-May, says minister

This will bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds, especially in the afternoon and early evening.

Proposal to introduce new investment policy in final stage - Azmin

Proposal to introduce new investment policy in final stage - Azmin

'In the next few weeks, we hope to get an endorsement for this (proposal).'

FGV to introduce new e-wallet features for migrant workers

FGV to introduce new e-wallet features for migrant workers

They include e-grievances, e-attendance, panic button and e-learning.

Govt to update MySejahtera to facilitate registration for senior citizens - Khairy

Govt to update MySejahtera to facilitate registration for senior citizens - Khairy

It will introduce a feature to register dependents for smoother vaccination sign-up process of the elderly.

Judge recuses self in hearing Anwar's bid to strike out suit on pardon

Judge recuses self in hearing Anwar's bid to strike out suit on pardon

Following this, the appeal hearing scheduled today was postponed.

After Khairy, Najib wants Sinovac vaccine too

After Khairy, Najib wants Sinovac vaccine too

The long-running row between the two over the national Covid-19 vaccination programme continues.

COMMENT | One year of Covid-19 lockdown

COMMENT | One year of Covid-19 lockdown

While the recovery rate has been impressive, Covid-19 crisis not over yet and more improvements need to be made.

Govt will consider vaccine third dose as booster next year: Khairy

Govt will consider vaccine third dose as booster next year: Khairy

This is if the pandemic becomes endemic, says the minister.

Anwar briefs Harapan on Umno meet, no GE15 commitments made

Anwar briefs Harapan on Umno meet, no GE15 commitments made

UPDATED 9.15PM | PKR, DAP and Amanah leaders gathered for a meeting this afternoon.

'Datuk seri' charged with accepting RM176k bribe

'Datuk seri' charged with accepting RM176k bribe

Businessperson accused of taking the money as an inducement to help release 22 detained Chinese nationals.

Safe@Work initiative enables close contact employees to continue working

Safe@Work initiative enables close contact employees to continue working

It will create a safe work bubble to help prevent disruption of company operations if workers contract Covid-19.

Interstate travel this Hari Raya? Health Ministry to decide in May

Interstate travel this Hari Raya? Health Ministry to decide in May

UPDATED 9.43PM | The decision will be based on how the Covid-19 situation evolves over the next two months.

Japan court says it is 'unconstitutional' to bar same-sex marriage

Japan court says it is 'unconstitutional' to bar same-sex marriage

The landmark ruling marks a major symbolic victory for those fighting for same-sex partnership.

US subpoenas Chinese communications firms in probe of national security risks

US subpoenas Chinese communications firms in probe of national security risks

It says Beijing has engaged in conduct that blunts 'our technological edge and threatens our alliances'.

'MyBaikHati' campaign to boost competitiveness, bridge digital gap'

'MyBaikHati' campaign to boost competitiveness, bridge digital gap'

This will involve the collecting of used devices from businesses and individuals for recycling.

King receives credentials of 10 foreign envoys to M'sia

King receives credentials of 10 foreign envoys to M'sia

Also present at the ceremony at Istana Negara is the Raja Permaisuri Agong.

Zafrul: Not right time to introduce new taxes for increased revenue

Zafrul: Not right time to introduce new taxes for increased revenue

Govt will focus on revitalising economy and taking care of the people first, says finance minister.

KPJ Ampang Puteri now a Covid-19 vaccination centre

KPJ Ampang Puteri now a Covid-19 vaccination centre

1,470 frontliners selected to receive the jabs at the hospital.

Covid-19 (March 18): 1,213 new cases, 3 deaths

Covid-19 (March 18): 1,213 new cases, 3 deaths

COVID-19 | Selangor still records the most number of new cases, but Sarawak is a close second.

Court grants Orang Asli villagers injunction against Kelantan govt

Court grants Orang Asli villagers injunction against Kelantan govt

This temporarily bars the state govt and companies from carrying out commercial activities in the area.

Ship chartering company pleads not guilty to corruption

Ship chartering company pleads not guilty to corruption

Pristine Offshore is the first commercial organisation to be charged under Section 17A of the MACC Act.

Fiscal deficit to reach 6.0pct of GDP this year - Zafrul

Fiscal deficit to reach 6.0pct of GDP this year - Zafrul

The ministry will continue to focus on its fiscal consolidation agenda, says the finance minister.
Cops launch probe on ministers' alleged SOP breach

Cops launch probe on ministers' alleged SOP breach

Police have yet to record statements from the ministers, but one from the complainant has been taken.

Working with Umno: Don't build sandcastles, opposition MPs tell Anwar

Working with Umno: Don't build sandcastles, opposition MPs tell Anwar

Putrajaya must be retaken but not at any cost, they say.

If you can do better than Anwar, go ahead, PKR MP tells critics

If you can do better than Anwar, go ahead, PKR MP tells critics

Hassan Abdul Karim says all allegations levelled at PKR president are uncalled-for.

SC completes investigation on Goldman Sachs, receives US$3.9b 1MDB settlement

SC completes investigation on Goldman Sachs, receives US$3.9b 1MDB settlement

The settlement comprised, among others, a cash payment of US$2.5b and an asset recovery guarantee of US$1.4b.
COMMENT | Covid-19 - can we really achieve herd immunity?

COMMENT | Covid-19 - can we really achieve herd immunity?

It is currently uncertain as to what percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated.

It's 'an quan', KJ declares after taking Sinovac vaccine

It's 'an quan', KJ declares after taking Sinovac vaccine

The China-produced Covid-19 vaccine is the second type to be administered in the country.

Zahid trial: MACC probe found Akalbudi funds used for electoral survey

Zahid trial: MACC probe found Akalbudi funds used for electoral survey

A payment of RM360,000 was made to TS Consultancy & Resources to survey and analyse voters, witness testifies.
1MDB trial - US govt needs to disclose evidence to Najib, says BN

1MDB trial - US govt needs to disclose evidence to Najib, says BN

The right to a fair trial is a basic human right, says Azalina Othman Said.

LETTER | Why foreigners visit Malaysia repeatedly

LETTER | Why foreigners visit Malaysia repeatedly

We must target the right audience to promote the tourism industry amid Covid-19 pandemic.

After muddy waters threat, Penang DCM says riparian rights lost on Kedah MB

After muddy waters threat, Penang DCM says riparian rights lost on Kedah MB

In common law, riparian right allows owners whose land adjoin a body of water to make reasonable use of them.
LETTER | Include environmental-friendly criteria in halal certification

LETTER | Include environmental-friendly criteria in halal certification

Malaysia, as an international halal hub, can be a pioneer in bringing about better global halal standards.
1MDB-linked forfeiture appeal hearing postponed over ‘emergency’

1MDB-linked forfeiture appeal hearing postponed over ‘emergency’

The court adjourns the case due to an urgent personal matter involving one of the judges.

Advanced nuclear reactors no safer than conventional nuclear plants - group

Advanced nuclear reactors no safer than conventional nuclear plants - group

Advanced reactors often present greater proliferation risks, a science advocacy group says.

PM's latest aid package falls short: ex-finance minister

PM's latest aid package falls short: ex-finance minister

Lim Guan Eng points out that previous larger packages were unable to soften the effects of Covid-19.

France rebuffs China after warnings to lawmakers over Taiwan visit

France rebuffs China after warnings to lawmakers over Taiwan visit

French senators are free to meet whomever they wish when they travel, the country's foreign ministry says.
Johor sultan wants Putrajaya to proceed with appeal against 'Allah' ruling

Johor sultan wants Putrajaya to proceed with appeal against 'Allah' ruling

Non-Muslims not allowed to use 'Allah' outside of the Muslim context, says Sultan Ibrahim.

FMM submits wishlist to MOF, Miti on manufacturing business sustainability

FMM submits wishlist to MOF, Miti on manufacturing business sustainability

It includes, among others, the continuation of the targeted loan moratorium assistance.

Harapan wanted out-of-court settlement for ‘Allah’ case but Muhyiddin disagreed - Baru

Harapan wanted out-of-court settlement for ‘Allah’ case but Muhyiddin disagreed - Baru

The former works minister explains why the case was postponed many times.

Penang completes draft bill on propagation of non-Islamic religions to Muslims

Penang completes draft bill on propagation of non-Islamic religions to Muslims

Sabah is in the early stage of discussions to prepare a similar enactment draft.

IMF: Malaysia's economy to recover but with downside risks

IMF: Malaysia's economy to recover but with downside risks

Recovery will be uneven across sectors, with persistent weakness in high-contact industries, it says.

Ahmad Maslan puzzled why Parliament still closed if Ramadan bazaars allowed

Ahmad Maslan puzzled why Parliament still closed if Ramadan bazaars allowed

He says the age of MPs and their Covid-19 risk is not a good reason to continue suspending the House.

'Do not defame Bersatu', Wan Saiful tells PKR MPs over enticement claims

'Do not defame Bersatu', Wan Saiful tells PKR MPs over enticement claims

The info chief also told PKR to clean its own house instead of blaming others over defections.

COMMENT | If in doubt, check it out – or else, don’t share

COMMENT | If in doubt, check it out – or else, don’t share

If something sounds too good to be true, it seldom is.

IGP claims cartel within police force out to topple him - report

IGP claims cartel within police force out to topple him - report

The conspirators consist of young police officers planning to dominate the force, says Abdul Hamid Bador.

Over 367,000 vaccinated as of March 17 - health minister

Over 367,000 vaccinated as of March 17 - health minister

Selangor records the highest number of individuals who got the jabs, says Dr Adham Baba.

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MDEC's 'iron ladies' pave the way for Malaysian women to make the digital leap into 4IR

MDEC's 'iron ladies' pave the way for Malaysian women to make the digital leap into 4IR

Various programmes, such as PeDAS, eUsahawan, eRezeki and GLOW, continue to empower and upskill with 54 percent women participation in digital businesses
2021-03-18

2021-03-18

Freed unexpectedly from death row, Lukman sets sights on religious studies

Freed unexpectedly from death row, Lukman sets sights on religious studies

MALAYSIANSKINI | He still believes drug laws regarding medical marijuana are unnecessarily harsh and need reform.

Local supermarket chains head towards zero-plastic usage

Local supermarket chains head towards zero-plastic usage

Malaysia ranked highest among six countries on 2020 plastic packaging consumption, at 16.78kg per person per year.

APHM concerned that some private doctors not yet scheduled for vaccination

APHM concerned that some private doctors not yet scheduled for vaccination

The association also hopes that the government will include more private participation in phase two.

Biden is crafting plan to reset US ties with Palestinians: sources

Biden is crafting plan to reset US ties with Palestinians: sources

He is rolling back parts of Trump’s approach that Palestinians denounced as heavily biased in favour of Israel.
Motive in Georgia spa shootings uncertain, but Asian Americans still fearful

Motive in Georgia spa shootings uncertain, but Asian Americans still fearful

A man has been charged with the fatal shootings of eight people, including six Asian women.
RON97 up seven sen; RON95, diesel unchanged

RON97 up seven sen; RON95, diesel unchanged

This is for the period of March 18 to March 24.

COMMENT | Malaysia’s palm oil persecution complex

COMMENT | Malaysia’s palm oil persecution complex

The government and the country’s palm oil sector have a choice.
Covid-19 reinfection rare, but more common in older people, study finds

Covid-19 reinfection rare, but more common in older people, study finds

The study finds that people over the age of 65 had only 47 percent protection against repeat infection.
COMMENT | Anwar continues to destabilise Harapan

COMMENT | Anwar continues to destabilise Harapan

His quest for power by aligning with the untrustworthy is causing disunity in the ranks.

YOURSAY | ‘Allah’ row in Malaysia’s culture war

YOURSAY | ‘Allah’ row in Malaysia’s culture war

‘PAS, Umno and their ilk are using this issue as a political tool to garner support.’
PKR MP fears bag of money will be planted in car after rejecting 'PN offer'

PKR MP fears bag of money will be planted in car after rejecting 'PN offer'

Padang Serai MP M Karupaiya says he has reported the overtures to PKR.

Myanmar Buddhist group signals break with authorities after bloody crackdown

Myanmar Buddhist group signals break with authorities after bloody crackdown

The group also accuses an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup.

How worried should we be about negative reports of AstraZeneca's vaccine?

How worried should we be about negative reports of AstraZeneca's vaccine?

Drug watchdog reviewing reports of bleeding, blood clots and low platelet counts from those who have taken the dose.

End in sight for state-wide MCOs and other news you may have missed

End in sight for state-wide MCOs and other news you may have missed

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

MCO fines discount

MCO fines discount

NEWSLETTER 18-03-2021