More SOPs relaxed, daycares re-opened

Happy Malaysia Day! Here's what you need to know today.

Key Highlights

• More SOPs relaxed, daycares re-opened
  
  
• Borneo oppposition thumb nose at govt MOU
  
  
• Decriminalising suicide
  
  

More SOPs relaxed, daycares re-opened

If you're stressing about finding a babysitter when you go back to work tomorrow, there's good news for you.

The government is now allowing kindergartens, daycare centres, and child development centres throughout the country to re-open - if the operators and caretakers are fully vaccinated.

Its part of a slew of SOPs that have been relaxed for the fully vaccinated.

Others SOP relaxations is allowing those vaccinated to take part in contact sports in Phase 2 and Phase 3 states, as well in person meetings starting tomorrow.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Walk in vaccination at 5 Klang Valley PPVs The service will be offered from Sept 16 to 30.
	Adolescents aged 12-17 to get Pfizer vaccines Priority for those sitting for national exams, the frail.
	Najib moots total lockdown if ICUs near full capacity 'Lockdown shouldn't last more than 7 days'

Borneo opposition thumbs nose at govt MOU

Opposition parties from Sabah and Sarawak continued to thumb their nose at the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the federal government and Pakatan Harapan.

Warisan president Shafie Apdal chastised Harapan for inking a deal with those who stole the coalition's mandate last year.

He said he did not want to be saddled by any failures of the government just because he signed a deal with them.

Meanwhile, Parti Sarawak Bersatu said it was not convinced that the MOU would restore Borneo rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

HIGHLIGHTS

	Pua: Harapan loses nothing from MOU 'M'sia will reap rewards'.
	Home Ministry wants data on stateless Borneo natives This is to help grant citizenship.
	MPs call for state-level MOUs Muar MP says Harapan states must ensure fairness.

Decriminalising suicide

Efforts to decriminalise suicide attempts appear to be gaining traction.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that the Attorney-General's Chambers is studying the possibility of putting those who attempt suicide into the healthcare system to get treated, instead of being sent to jail.

However, there is no timeline for such legal amendments yet.

Among the proponents of decriminalising suicide attempts includes the Health Ministry.

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih
15999

The Befrienders
03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia
03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia
03-42657995

HIGHLIGHTS

	Khairy reiterates promise to contract doctors 'They can further studies for their future'.
	Ombudsman Malaysia Bill next year This is to address public complaints against govt.
	'Uncle Kentang' hopes Commonwealth Award can inspire others He calls for aid to M'sians, refugees.

A daily glance at Covid-19

• 19,495 new cases yesterday (Sept 15).
  
  
• 463 deaths were reported on Sept 14. The seven day average number of deaths is still trending down.
  
  
• An analysis of data indicated that death figures began building up a backlog around July and peaked in August, coinciding with the major spike in Klang Valley's Covid-19 cases.
  
  

What else is happening?

• Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said made a surprise return to the Dewan Rakyat speaker's chair - albeit on a temporary basis - on the request of Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun.
  
  
• Former education minister Maszlee Malik has outlined several education policies for the post-pandemic world, including on-demand video lessons for school children.
  
  
• A group of lawyers petitioned the Human Rights Commission to review the suspension of former Court of Appeal judge Hamid Sultan Abu Backer.
  
  

HIGHLIGHTS

	Muslim preacher Zamri seeks to strike out lawsuits Suits filed by two Hindu groups.
	Refugee worries for parents in Afghanistan Shahrzad looks to rescue his parents.
	Selangor insists on ‘southern ECRL alignment’ This alignment would pass through Kuala Langat forest reserve.

What are people saying?

	The return of former prime ministers By James Chai.
	Govt-Harapan MOU: A step in the right direction By Malaysiakini readers
	Let's also call Malaysia Day 'Hari Perpaduan Negara' By R Suresh