Daily cases dip to just over 17,000 as Sarawak overtakes Selangor

Another 17,352 Covid-19 cases were recorded today, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 1,862,187.Sarawak recorded 3,714 cases, Selangor 2,126, Johor 2,101, Sabah 1,844, Kedah 1,599, Penang 1,558, Kelantan 1,213 and Perak 1,082.Terengganu recorded 700 cases, Pahang 463, Kuala Lumpur 398, Melaka 295 and Negeri Sembilan 193.Perlis recorded 38 cases, Putrajaya 23 and Labuan five.Active cases stand at 252,668 with 975 in the ICU and 435 in need of respiratory assistance.Another 20,201 patients recovered, bringing total recoveries to 1,591,028.However, 272 more deaths were reported, pushing the virus toll to 18,491.


China will step up policy support for economy, premier says

China will step up support for the economy, Premier Li Keqiang has said, urging economically important provinces to take the lead in implementing growth policies, state media reported a day after data showed growth unexpectedly slowed last month.
China's economy continued to recover in July but there were "small fluctuations", Li said during a Tuesday video meeting with senior officials from six major provinces - Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Henan and Sichuan.
"A sense of urgency must be strengthened to consolidate the foundation for economic recovery," Li was quoted as saying.
The central bank cut key lending rates in a surprise move on Monday to revive demand, as data showed the economy slowing in July, with factory and retail activity squeezed by a zero-Covid policy and a property crisis.
Authorities would thoroughly implement a package of policy measures unveiled in May, and would increase the intensity of macro-economic policies to keep economic activity within a reasonable range, Li was quoted as saying.
The world's second-largest economy narrowly avoided contracting in the second quarter due to widespread Covid-19 lockdowns.
Analysts said a full-year growth target of about 5.5% has been looking increasingly unattainable. China last missed its growth target in 2015.
China will try hard to achieve the best possible results for the economy this year, state media said last month after a high-level meeting of the ruling Communist Party, dropping previous calls that it would strive to meet its 2022 growth target.
Large provinces must take the lead in growing the economy, and those in a position to achieve their economic goals should do so, state media reported at the time, following the meeting.
Li described Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Henan and Sichuan, which account for 45% of gross domestic product, as "pillars" of economic development, and said it was their responsibility to consolidate an economic recovery.
"Li urged the economic powerhouses to ensure solid implementation of a package of pro-growth policies while leveraging policies to energise market entities, smooth logistics, and stabilise industrial and supply chains," the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Li also demanded that the provinces take measures to promote big-ticket consumption while ensuring livelihoods.


9 new clusters as daily cases see further dip

Another 1,280 Covid-19 cases were recorded today, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 316,269.Selangor recorded 464 cases followed by Johor (165), Sarawak (163), Penang (143) and Kuala Lumpur (119).Sabah recorded 64 cases, Negeri Sembilan 45, Terengganu 36, Perak 34, Kedah 25, Kelantan 16, Putrajaya three, Pahang two and Perlis one.Active cases stand at 18,704 with 155 in the ICU and 76 in need of respiratory assistance.Nine new clusters were detected:1. Lorong Kilang (Petaling and Klang in Selangor; 419 screened, 41 positive)2. Jalan Nusa Mega (Johor Bahru in Johor; 182 screened, 36 positive)3. Jalan Setia Jaya (Batu Pahat in Johor; 56 screened, 28 positive)4. Jalan Industri A1 (Tangkak in Johor; 31 screened, 21 positive)5. Medan Bayan Lepas (Barat Daya, Timur Laut, Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang; 428 screened, 65 positive)6. Tapak Bina Jalan U-Thant (Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur; 158 screened, 35 positive)7. Tapak Bina Jalan Salak (Lembah Pantai in Kuala Lumpur; 29 screened, 26 positive)8. Amanjaya (Kuala Muda, Pendang and Yan in Kedah; 61 screened, 16 positive)9. Sungai Lembing (Kuantan in Pahang; 135 screened, 13 positive)Nineteen others ended, leaving 457 active clusters across the country.Another 2,345 patients were discharged, bringing total recoveries to 296,379.However, nine more deaths were reported, pushing the virus toll to 1,186.


Petty traders welome MPN call for extended moratorium

Just outside Stadium Kuala Lumpur in Cheras, food vendors struggle to serve the crowds of customers who have come teeming to their stalls for lunch.
But Juniadi Sudirman, who sells fruits at his stall, doesn't mind the rush.
For him, the circumstances when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit are still fresh in his mind.
Now that the country has begun its transition to the endemic phase, with more sectors and industries allowed to reopen, Juniandi finally dares to breathe a sigh of relief.
But still, times are tough. While he has more customers to tend to today, his income has dropped by about 50% since the onset of the pandemic and the economic constraints it caused.
And recovery for his little stall is still slow despite the country's relative success in keeping the spread of infection in check.
Tens of thousands of traders like Juniandi in the micro, small and medium enterprise (PMKS) sector were heavily affected by the pandemic and the movement control orders (MCOs) imposed in its wake.

A worker serves customers their food at a stall near Jalan Tasik Permaisuri in Cheras.

Workers throughout the country were told to work from home, while only crucial sectors remained open throughout this time.
But while things are looking up a bit for Juniandi, Siti Alia, who sells chicken rice a short distance away, says the opposite.
For her, business income began to drop after the MCOs were lifted.
"During the MCO, we were so busy tending to all of the orders that came in because customers couldn't go out to eat," she said.
"Now everyone can go out and eat at restaurants, so our customers are few and far in between."
The cash flow of PMKS operators like Alia and Juniandi had frequently featured at meetings of the National Recovery Council (MPN) where concerns were raised about the effect of such problems on the country's recovery process.
It was previously reported that more than 30,000 entrepreneurs and PMKS traders were forced to close shop because of the pandemic.
For this reason, MPN secretariat CEO Sulaiman Mahbob suggested that the government and Bank Negara Malaysia consider extending the moratorium period for PMKS operators.
This was to ensure that such traders could face future uncertainties on better footing, and to increase the sector's contribution to the economy.
Juniandi, for one, said he was glad about the proposal.
"It would be good if they implemented this moratorium," he said.
"I could use the money I have to increase my sales and take my business to the next level."
Before this, he used to run a stall at a night market.
"But because of the pandemic, I can only afford to sell fruits at the side of the road now," he said.
Juniandi was also among those who benefited from the special Prihatin grant issued under the Perikatan Nasional government.
He said the aid had helped save his business from going under even as many of his other friends were forced to throw in the towel.
Alia also welcomed the suggestion, saying she could improve the level of her business and move to a more conducive environment.
"I could use the money for monthly repayments as model to buy a kiosk or a food truck, and expand the variety of food that I sell," she said.
"The money I have right now is only enough for me to pay my own family members. I can't afford to employ other workers.
"A moratorium for PMKS traders like us could help a lot."
The MPN had previously voiced its commitment to presenting initiatives to help restore the economy and the income of local entrepreneurs.
This includes its main recommendation to the government for a focus on the shortage of workers in critical sectors such as construction, plantations and tourism.


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EPF under siege and the silence of politicians

For decades, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) had been a sacred cow, zealously defended by Malaysians against political machinations. Any politician who even dared to openly entertain the idea of utilising EPF funds in ways that went against the interests of its contributors risked facing painful retribution at the ballot box.These days however, we have seen the hallowed stature of the EPF reduced to that of nothing more than a common ATM machine. Today, politicians like Asyraf Wajdi, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Najib Razak think nothing of badgering the EPF to allow contributors to withdraw every single sen from what was supposed to be their old age savings. These politicians even openly cajole others to join in their cause, and do so with impunity.What is sad is that only a few public figures and a handful of trade union leaders have dared to openly defend the sanctity of EPF funds. Doubly tragic is the deafening silence among the opposition. It may very well be that during this pandemic situation, it was not just the Covid-19 virus that spread, but also pusillanimity among MPs.The EPF was set up in 1951 to help the Malaysian workforce save for their retirement. It is currently the fourth largest pension fund in Asia, and 12th in the world. As a retirement fund, the EPF was incorporated to help Malaysians save up for their golden years.But the reality is that the EPF is sitting on an asset pile. Its investment assets as of December 2020 stood at over RM1.06 trillion. Every month, employers and employees make statutory contributions to the fund to the tune of tens of millions or more. Given the sheer size of its funds, the temptation to dip into the EPF kitty is indeed alluring.Over the decades, the EPF’s massive funds have been the target of various parties, some with benevolent motivations and others with questionable motives. We have seen multiple attempts to use EPF funds to bail out politically connected corporations, including government-linked companies.Some of these attempts were successful, others were staved off. But the opposition voice towards such moves were always vociferous in preserving the sanctity of the funds, and to uphold the overall interests of its 1.6 million contributors, not merely for the expediency of some.But opposition to the latest campaign to allow contributors to make more withdrawals from their Account 1 (as they did before under the i-Citra scheme early this year) has been rather muted. The likes of Asyraf, Najib and Zahid are singing the same old tune, this time exploiting the recent floods as the reason for their supporters to withdraw every single sen of their old age savings.Whatever happened to the defenders of the EPF? Surely the economically inclined MPs who spoke up against complex financial abuses in the past can see how allowing more EPF withdrawals is detrimental to its contributors in the long run.Does their silence mean that every time there is a weather calamity or the riverbanks burst, we can all expect the EPF to open its cash till? Are we prepared to see contributors emptying their retirement savings? Ever since the EPF introduced the i-Lestari, i-Sinar and i-Citra schemes over the past two years to help tide over contributors during the pandemic, many have seen their savings severely depleted.Going by the EPF’s estimate, people would need at least RM240,000 in their savings if they were to spend an average of RM1,000 per month for 20 years after retirement. And RM1,000 a month is paltry even by today’s standards, not to mention the inflation over the coming years. The shocking data revealed by the EPF shows that 67% of its contributors do not even have that amount in their savings! How are they to survive their retirement if we allow contributors to withdraw more funds from their savings today?The integrity and sanctity of the EPF should not be sacrificed on the altar of populism. If we choose to be reckless with the EPF and the retirement savings of Malaysians now, it will inflict damage that cannot be undone.The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.


Malaysia hits halfway point with 50.5% of population fully jabbed

A total of 50.5% of Malaysia’s total population or 16,492,295 individuals had completed their Covid-19 vaccination as of yesterday, according to the Special Committee for Ensuring Access to Covid-19 Vaccine Supply.A total of 20,943,582 individuals, or 64.1% of the total population, have received at least one dose of vaccine.In terms of adult population, 70.5% are fully vaccinated while 89.5% have received at least a first dose.A total of 320,452 doses were administered yesterday, 128,038 as first doses and the remaining 192,414 as second doses, bringing the cumulative number of vaccine shots administered under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme to 37,392,241 so far.


Armed forces no power to arrest MCO offenders, source says

The Malaysian Armed Forces have no authority to detain and take action against those accused of violating the movement control order (MCO), a source in the defence ministry says.Speaking to MalaysiaNow, the source added that Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement on the matter yesterday had been in reference to arrests made in the context of Op Benteng, an inter-agency effort to stop cross-border crime and the spread of Covid-19.It said the authority to arrest members of the public who flout the MCO remains in the sole jurisdiction of the police.“As of now, what we have been told is that the minister’s statement referred to arrests made under Op Benteng, not the MCO directive,” the source said on condition of anonymity.“The armed forces are still helping the police to monitor and at roadblocks.”Earlier this week, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented to the declaration of an emergency to curb the spread of Covid-19 which has so far infected nearly 150,000 and claimed over 500 lives.Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin however assured that a civilian government would remain and that daily activities would not disrupted. He also said the authorities could enact tough laws during the period running up to Aug 1, with the aim of battling the impact of the pandemic.Ismail was reported as saying yesterday that the jurisdictions of the police and armed forces under the emergency declaration were the same, which would help streamline the management of the Covid-19 situation.Rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) however said this could lead to excessive use of force and abuses which infringe the civil liberties of the people.“The armed forces are trained for combat in armed conflict against foreign invaders and are ill-equipped to deal with civilian arrests,” LFL director Zaid Malek said.“The powers to detain civilians should only be exercised by police officers, who have been trained to deal with such arrests. Army personnel must only be utilised to assist police officers in ensuring MCO compliance, as they have done throughout the MCO period last year.”


New cases hover over 7,000 for second day

Another 7,097 Covid-19 cases were recorded today, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 799,790.Selangor recorded 3,119 cases, Kuala Lumpur 1,005, Negeri Sembilan 788, Melaka 358, Sarawak 289, Pahang 258, Sabah 244, Johor 224, Kedah 198, Perak 187, Penang 140 and Kelantan 123.Labuan recorded 93 cases, Terengganu 43, Putrajaya 26 and Perlis two.Active cases stand at 74,344 with 948 in the ICU and 441 in need of respiratory assistance.Another 4,863 patients were discharged, bringing total recoveries to 719,678.However, 91 more deaths were reported, pushing the virus toll to 5,768.


In Sarawak, business as usual during ‘hartal’ hour

While groups of contract doctors in the Klang Valley took to the streets outside their hospitals today as part of the strike organised by the Hartal Doktor Kontrak movement, the scene in Sarawak was markedly different.At Sarawak General Hospital, there were no crowds and no one was wearing the signature black of the protest movement.A doctor who identified herself as Dr Marli said she had been a contract doctor at the hospital for two years.She told MalaysiaNow she was unable to participate in the protest as she had been in the ward, taking care of patients.“The protest started at 11am and I was still busy in the ward managing my patients,” she said.“It’s not that I do not support. As a contract doctor, of course I support this movement – but if I just walk away and go out to the rally, what will happen to the patients?”Security personnel tasked with monitoring the flow of traffic at the entrance of the hospital lobby said they had been instructed to check every 15 minutes to ensure that no crowds gather within the perimeter.One of them said he hoped the contract doctors would not rally at the hospital, especially during the pandemic.“At this crucial time, what we need is everyone to play their role to stop the virus from spreading,” he said.He added that public health experts have been advising people to think twice about holding such rallies.The strike, organised by the Hartal Doktor Kontrak group, was to take place at government hospitals and clinics across the country as part of the doctors’ demand for better treatment and absorption into permanent positions.The organisers of the hartal or strike had claimed that some 4,000 contract doctors would join them in the walkout today, despite the government’s offer of a two-year extension of contract announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin last week.The contract system was introduced by former prime minister Najib Razak for medical, dental and pharmacy graduates in the tabling of the 2017 Budget at the Dewan Rakyat, due to constraints on permanent positions.


Finland, Sweden submit application to join Nato

Finland and Sweden formally applied to join the Nato alliance on Wednesday at allied headquarters, a decision spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and setting in motion an accession process that is expected to take only a few weeks.Sweden and Finland were both neutral throughout the Cold War, and their decision to join Nato is one of the most significant changes in Europe’s security architecture for decades, reflecting a sweeping shift in public opinion in the Nordic region since Russia’s Feb 24 invasion.“This is a historic moment, which we must seize,” Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said at a short ceremony in which the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors to the alliance handed over their application letters, each in a white folder embossed with their national flag.“I warmly welcome requests by Finland and Sweden to join Nato. You are our closest partners, and your membership in Nato will increase our shared security,” Stoltenberg said. The alliance considers that the accession of Finland and Sweden would hugely strengthen it in the Baltic Sea.Ratification of all 30 allied parliaments could take up to a year, diplomats say.Turkey has surprised its allies in recent days by saying it had reservations about Finnish and Swedish membership. Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that he thought the issues could be resolved.“We are determined to work through all issues and reach rapid conclusions,” Stoltenberg said, noting strong support from all other allies.


AstraZeneca slots in Selangor, KL fully booked

All 268,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine allocated for residents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have been snapped up, despite the vaccine’s recent struggle with bad publicity over the risk of blood clots in some recipients.Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said all available slots for the jabs had been fully booked as of 3.20pm.“We will start pushing appointment to your MySejahtera or SMS soon,” Khairy, who is in charge of the country’s vaccination programme, added in a Twitter post.He also apologised for an initial glitch and some technical difficulties that had occurred early in the booking phase.“You can still click on the grey boxes to put yourself on a wait list for next couple of hours,” he added.The AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, currently forms the backbone of the Covax scheme, which ensures that poorer countries can access doses, with donors covering the cost.It entered the spotlight after reports of blood clots in a small number of recipients in countries including Canada and Britan, some of whom died after receiving the jab.Khairy said earlier this week that the AstraZeneca jabs in Malaysia would not be included in the national vaccination programme.Instead, they will be given on a voluntary basis taking into consideration public anxiety over the potential side effects.Both the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization have repeatedly encouraged countries to continue using the AstraZeneca vaccine, saying blood clots should be listed as a “very rare” side effect.The first AstraZeneca shots in Malaysia will be administered as early as May 5.


More than 1,000 monkeypox cases reported to WHO

There have been more than 1,000 monkeypox cases reported to the World Health Organization in the current outbreak outside the countries in Africa where it more commonly spreads.WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the risk of monkeypox becoming established in these non-endemic countries was real, but preventable at this point.Twenty-nine countries have reported cases in the current outbreak, which began in May. None have reported deaths.At a media briefing in Geneva, Tedros also said there had been more than 1,400 suspected cases of monkeypox this year in Africa and 66 deaths.“It’s an unfortunate reflection of the world we live in that the international community is only now paying attention to monkeypox because it has appeared in high-income countries,” he said.He said the outbreak was showing signs of community transmission in some countries. WHO recommends people with monkeypox isolate at home.Cases are still predominantly among men who have sex with men, the WHO said, although cases in women have been reported.The UN agency is working with organizations including UN AIDS and community groups to raise awareness and stop transmission.Post-exposure vaccination, including for health workers or close contacts, including sexual partners – ideally within four days of exposure – may be considered for some countries, WHO added. The vaccines being used are designed against smallpox, a related, more dangerous virus that the world eradicated in 1980, but also work to protect against monkeypox, studies have shown.WHO senior official Sylvie Briand said the agency is assessing the potency of vaccines stockpiled against smallpox and contacting manufacturers and countries who have previously pledged vaccines.


No more green zones left in peninsula, says health ministry

There were no more districts categorised as green zones in the peninsula as of yesterday while Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had only red zones, according to a health ministry Facebook post today.The 14-day movement data on the distribution of new Covid-19 cases by districts in the peninsula from May 5 to 18 showed that the number of positive cases in Malaysia during the period stood at 57,089.“Eight districts in the peninsula are in orange status, namely Langkawi, Kampar, Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Rompin, Bera, Lipis and Marang, while the districts with yellow status are Kangar, Perak Tengah, Mersing, Cameron Highlands, Maran, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Gua Musang, Padang Terap and Sik,” it said.Sabah has the most green zones, namely Tambunan, Kudat, Nabawan, Pitas, Kuala Penyu, Tongod, Telupid and Beluran.Meanwhile, Sarawak has five districts categorised as green zones, namely Simunjan, Asajaya, Kabong, Marudi and Telang Usan.Green zones are districts that have recorded zero cases. Yellow zones have 1-20 cases, orange 21-40 and red 41 and above.


SOPs for Johor polls being finalised, says Khairy

The health ministry is in midst of finalising the SOPs for the Johor state election before they are submitted to the Election Commission (EC).Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry was still conducting risk assessments as the election would be held in a different environment than the previous Sarawak and Melaka polls due to the spread of the Omicron variant in the country.“What we know is that the SOPs for the Melaka and Sarawak polls were a success as there was no significant increase in the number of cases.“But the SOPs for the Johor election will be a little bit different because they come with (the threat) of the Omicron variant,” he told a press conference after launching the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Kids at the Tunku Azizah Hospital in Kuala Lumpur today.Khairy did not rule out the possibility of an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases following the Johor election.“However, there will be no significant rise in the number of serious cases and hospital admissions,” he said.Asked on the SOPs for umrah travel, Khairy said they are being finalised and will be presented to him soon.


More evacuated as floods worsen in 4 states

More people have been evacuated due to the worsening floods in Pahang, Johor, Melaka and Sabah although the third wave of floods that hit Terengganu has subsided.The number of flood victims in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan meanwhile remains unchanged.In Pahang, the state disaster management committee secretariat reported that the total number of flood victims at 54 relief centres (PPS) was 2,252 compared to 2,188 at 51 PPS this morning.Eight roads are still closed, including Sungai Lembing in Kuantan, Jalan Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan (Maran), Jalan Kuantan-Segamat (Pekan), Jalan Ulu Dong (Raub) and Jalan Kuala Lipis-Jerantut (Jerantut).As of 11am, six river monitoring stations – Sungai Pukin in Rompin, Paya Gintong (Jerantut), Chegar Perah Bridge (Lipis), Sungai Serting in Padang Gudang Bridge (Bera), Sungai Luit in Kampung Subuh (Maran) ) and Sungai Pahang in Kuala Krau (Temerloh) – had recorded dangerous water levels.In Johor, the number of evacuees rose to 4,062 as of noon compared to 3,841 this morning, with Batu Pahat the latest district to be hit by floods.Johor health and environment committee chairman R Vidyananthan said 42 people affected by the floods in Batu Pahat were being housed at Balai Raya Kampung Haji Kamisan.“A total of 64 PPS have been opened in seven districts housing 1,064 families.“Segamat remains the district with the highest number of victims with 3,284 people, followed by Mersing (371), Kota Tinggi (174), Tangkak (123), Kluang (66), Batu Pahat (42) and Johor Bahru (two),” he said in a statement.A Bernama check found that some flood victims in Mersing and Kluang were being allowed to return home as the floodwaters had started to recede in certain areas.The number of flood evacuees in Sabah meanwhile rose to 3,398 people from 1,236 families compared to 2,435 people from 874 families this morning.The state disaster management secretariat said 27 PPS had been opened in six districts since last Friday.Kota Marudu is the district with the highest number of flood evacuees, with 2,749 people from 1,051 families housed at 13 PPS, followed by Pitas with 234 victims from 94 families at four PPS and Sandakan (192 victims, 41 families at two PPS).In Paitan, 102 victims from 24 families were being housed at three PPS, followed by Telupid (84 victims from 16 families at three PPS) and 41 victims from 11 families at two PPS in Beluran.In Melaka, the number of flood victims also recorded an increase, with 2,555 people from 659 families compared to 2,537 evacuees from 656 families at 8am today.Melaka Civil Defence Department (APM) director Cuthbert John Martin Quadra said the victims were from 14 areas in Alor Gajah, nine in Melaka Tengah and nine in Jasin.“A total of 1,017 victims from 270 families are at 10 PPS in Alor Gajah while 1,402 victims (357 families) are at nine PPS in Melaka Tengah, and another 136 victims (32 families) are at three PPS in Jasin,” he said.In Negeri Sembilan, the number of evacuees taking shelter at 22 PPS in the state remained unchanged at 2,040 people from 558 families as of 12.50pm.In Selangor, there was no change in the number of evacuees either, with 40 people at two PPS in Kuala Langat, namely Dewan Orang Ramai Kampung Kelanang (25 victims) and Balai Raya Majlis Pengurusan Komuniti Kampung (MPKK) Banting (15 victims).Kuala Langat district police chief Ahmad Ridhwan Mohd Nor @ Saleh, in a statement on the flash flood situation in Kuala Langat, said the rain had stopped and the water had begun to recede.Meanwhile, the Malaysian Irrigation and Drainage Department said that as of 11am, Sungai Langat in Bukit Changgang, Kuala Langat was still at the danger level although showing a downward trend.


Daily caseload under 2,500 as 5 more deaths logged

Another 2,465 Covid-19 cases were recorded yesterday, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 4,988,759.
There were 2,029 recoveries, taking total recoveries to 4,924,464.
There are now 27,638 active cases, of which 25,614 or 92.7% are undergoing home quarantine.
Meanwhile, 0 (0%) are at quarantine centres while 1,932 (7%) have been hospitalised.
A total of 92 are in ICU with 51 in need of respiratory assistance.
Another five deaths were reported, including two who were brought in dead. Total deaths now stand at 36,657.


US, Germany confront Holocaust denial, worldwide rising anti-Semitism

The US and Germany are aiming to stem an alarming rise in anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial taking place around the world.Holocaust denial is a conspiracy theory that asserts that the Nazi genocide of Jews, known as “the Holocaust”, is a complete myth or greatly exaggerated by Jews for their own purposes.On Thursday, the two governments announced the start of a US-Germany Holocaust Dialogue that seeks to reverse the trend that has gained traction during the coronavirus pandemic amid a surge in political populism across Europe and the US.The dialogue will create a way to develop educational and messaging tools to teach youth and others about the crimes of the Nazis and their collaborators, reports the AP.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and several Holocaust survivors were present for the launch at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.All cited links between Holocaust denial, growing anti-Semitism, and more general discrimination against minorities.“Holocaust denial and other forms of anti-Semitism often go hand in hand with homophobia, xenophobia, racism, and other hatred,” said Blinken, who is the stepson of a Holocaust survivor.“It’s also a rallying cry for those who seek to tear down our democracies, which we’ve seen in both our countries, and is often a precursor to violence.”Maas echoed Blinken’s comments, underscoring the importance of Germany – which he described as the country of the Holocaust perpetrators – taking a leading role in the project.“In recent years, we have seen anti-Semitism and racism eating into our society,” Maas said. “Just think of the Yellow Star badge as seen at demonstrations against Covid measures, of the torrent of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on the Internet, of the attacks on synagogues and on Jewish people living in our countries, of the rioters in front of the Bundestag or the rampaging mob in the US capital.”Yellow Star patches are badges that copy the ones Jews were ordered to wear from 1939 to 1945 by the Nazis. The patches served to mark the wearer as a religious or ethnic outsider, and often served as a badge of shame.Blinken and Maas said that as time reduces the number of Holocaust survivors, the new dialogue will produce innovative ways to educate younger generations about the Holocaust and the troubling buildup that led to the mass extermination of Jews and others in Nazi Germany and elsewhere.It should serve as a lesson and a warning to young people everywhere.“The Shoah was not a sharp fall, but a gradual descent into darkness,” Blinken said, using another term for the Holocaust.


Agong does what govt says, former top judge weighs in on renewed emergency debate

Any decision to end the virus state of emergency ultimately rests in the hands of the government of the day, says a prominent retired Federal Court judge amid renewed debate on the constitutional powers of the Agong in the wake of recent developments.Gopal Sri Ram, one of Malaysia’s most prominent lawyers who served as an ad hoc prosecutor under both the former and present governments, said the Agong has no independent discretion except in three matters: the appointment of the prime minister, the dissolution of Parliament, and requests for a meeting of the Conference of Rulers.He said these three areas of discretion are clearly spelt out in Article 40(2) of the Federal Constitution.“Only in these three matters does the king have discretion. All other matters, he has to act on the advice of the Cabinet,” Sri Ram said to MalaysiaNow.Sri Ram has represented opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in his sodomy appeals and has been appointed by the government to lead the prosecutions of Najib Razak, Rosmah Mansor and others in the 1MDB-related trials.Asked for his response to a view being promoted by some politicians as well as their associates in the legal circles suggesting that the king has the power to re-convene Dewan Rakyat proceedings, Sri Ram insisted that there is no such provision.“There’s no choice. The Agong has to act on the advice of the Cabinet. That answers most of your questions,” he said.He referred to Article 40 of the constitution, which states that the Agong shall act “according to the advice of the Cabinet or of a minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet”.“In the exercise of his functions under this constitution or federal law, where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is to act in accordance with advice, on advice, or after considering advice, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall accept and act in accordance with such advice,” Clause 1A of Article 40 reads.Sri Ram said in the case of the present debate on the Agong’s powers in an extension of the state of emergency, the same principle applies.“Everything is controlled by the Cabinet,” said the former judge who served in both the Court of Appeal and Federal Court, during which time he delivered more than 800 judgments which are considered leading legal authorities and precedents in Malaysian and Commonwealth courts.Sri Ram said there was also no question arising on the legality of the present emergency in the absence of the parliamentary process.This was in response to complaints that Article 150(3), which states that the proclamation must be laid before both Houses of Parliament, had not been followed.He said any proclamation under the constitution must be laid before Parliament only when it sits.“So when the Parliament sitting is postponed, the emergency carries on,” he added.Sri Ram’s views come in the wake of a variety of suggestions from politicians on containing the Covid-19 virus, following the Agong’s recent decision to meet with political party leaders from across the divide.While former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad called for a national operations council similar to the one set up in the aftermath of the 1969 racial riots, leaders from Pakatan Harapan (PH) said the state of emergency must be terminated and Parliament re-convened.The state of emergency was declared in January this year amid a continuous spike in daily Covid-19 cases, and in the wake of threats from a group of Umno MPs to revoke support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in order to topple him.As no opposition bloc has the numbers to form the government, such a move would lead to snap polls, a scenario that health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has repeatedly warned against.Muhyiddin, who was named by the Agong as prime minister following the collapse of the PH government in early 2020, had promised to call for elections subject to the Covid-19 situation.Since the Sabah state polls in September, cases have been on the rise. The latest development saw the government agreeing to implement a full lockdown last month to ease the pressure on hospital facilities nationwide.


Pig guts fly in Taiwan parliament protest

Opposition lawmakers hurled pig organs inside Taiwan’s parliament on Friday to protest the government’s decision to ease restrictions on pork imports from the US.Taiwan’s notoriously rambunctious legislature frequently sees chaotic clashes between rival lawmakers but Friday’s scuffles were particularly novel.Lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party dumped buckets of pork offal on the debating chamber floor and then proceeded to hurl intestines, hearts, liver and other organs at their rivals.Taiwan’s government recently announced it would allow imports of US pork fed with the additive ractopamine from Jan 1.The supplement improves leanness but is banned in places like the European Union and China.Officials in Washington have made it clear restrictions on US pork and beef imports are a key stumbling block to the US and Taiwan signing a trade deal.Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which commands a strong majority in Parliament, hope the easing of restrictions will pave the way for an agreement.But many in Taiwan are opposed to US pork imports and the KMT have seized on the issue after a series of stinging electoral defeats.Last weekend they joined tens of thousands in an annual labour rally, where opposition to pork imports was a major theme.Taiwan’s powerful domestic pork industry also fears competition from the US.The DPP campaigned heavily against ractopamine when they were in opposition, and the KMT have accused them of hypocrisy.The governing party now argues the additive is not a safety threat and that the deal will boost ties with the US, a valuable trading partner and strategic ally against China.“We’re very sorry to throw pig’s internal organs in parliament, but this is to highlight the pork issue,” opposition lawmaker Lin Wei-chou told reporters.Lin Chu-yin, a DPP legislator, posted pictures of the discarded offal on her Facebook account.“The opposition party has the right to protest, but they shouldn’t be wasting food,” she wrote.


Seniors urged to get second booster dose as govt warns of possible new Covid wave

Senior citizens aged 60 and above and those with chronic diseases are encouraged to get a second booster dose to increase their immunity against Covid-19 infection, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.He said this was because the number of new Covid-19 cases would fluctuate and the country might be hit by another wave of infections in two or three months’ time.“We are not sure how extensive or big this wave will be, but epidemiological developments in other countries suggest that this wave will strike.“That is why certain categories (of people), those who are old and facing chronic health problems, are encouraged to top up their immunity through an additional dose,” he told reporters after opening a dialogue session in conjunction with the health ministry hospital directors’ conference in Petaling Jaya today.Khairy said as of yesterday, 107,844 people had received a second booster dose, of whom 57,834 were aged 60 and above.“So far, we have not received any reports of side effects caused by the second booster shot,” he added.On the reopening of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids), he said so far 397 children aged five to 11 had been vaccinated under the extended programme which runs from June 20 to 24.He said the programme was reopened for five days to allow parents who had missed out on PICKids earlier to get their children vaccinated.“Although it was announced that PICKids would end on May 31, some parents asked for a chance to use the vaccination facility. Some missed out because they did not get the necessary information,” he added.Asked about the issue of payment for the MySejahtera application operator, Khairy said the government had not made any payments yet but had received the green light from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to conduct price negotiations.


Clear communication needed on Covid tests at airports

MAHB as the operator of airports across the country should put up signage at the entrance of the arrival hall of each of the international facilities, clearly stating that passengers are required to do a Covid-19 rapid antigen test (RTK-AG) within 24 hours of arrival.State also that it is not mandatory that tests should be done at the airport.It will be of great help if before landing, the airline concerned also has the flight attendants make an announcement to this effect.As a transparent measure, MAHB should also state the rates for each test on the signage.As information to foreigners, a list of clinics providing services for testing would be helpful.It may mean going the extra mile, having to provide this information, but at the end of the day, the foreigner would depart with a positive impression of his stay in Malaysia.The service provider should be reasonable about its charges. To be fair, the same rates should be charged as at clinics in the city.I am not wrong to say there has been a lack of communication among local agencies to disseminate information to international arrivals, hence the confusion over whether there is a need to do an RTK test at the airport.It comes as a surprise that MAHB has dismissed claims that RTK testing at the international facilities is monopolised by certain private healthcare operators.With only one service provider at each airport, if this is not a monopoly, then what is it?BP Clinical Lab Sdn Bhd for KLIA, Edgenta UEMS Sdn Bhd for Penang International Airport, MYEG Services Sdn Bhd for Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Gribbles Pathology (M) Sdn Bhd for Kuching International Airport.Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines have either stopped testing for arriving air passengers or have voiced the need to do it.Malaysia should seriously consider scrapping the optional testing at airports since it is not mandatory for arrivals who have done a test 48 hours prior to departure.When travelling, every dollar spent unnecessarily is a burden.Flying will never be the same.The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of MalaysiaNow.


Darkness and debris impede rescue effort at flooded Mexico mine

Mexican army divers were blocked by debris in their first attempt to descend deep into a flooded coal mine in northern Mexico where 10 miners have been trapped for a week, the country's defense minister said on Thursday.
The miners became trapped at a mine in the border state of Coahuila on Aug 3 when their excavation work caused a tunnel wall to collapse, triggering flooding in parts of the underground mine.
In a statement Thursday evening, Mexico's Attorney General's office said it had requested a judicial hearing in Coahuila to charge the mine's alleged owner for "illicit exploitation" of a state asset, citing his "failing to comply with the law's obligations" for coal mining.
Mexican officials by Thursday had managed to dramatically reduce water depths that initially had topped about 100 feet (30 meters), but have struggled to send in rescue teams even on preliminary efforts to gauge whether conditions would be safe for a rescue mission.
Two military divers entered one of the three flooded mine shafts on Wednesday after a miner and a rescue professional submerged four times to clear debris, but were unable to fully enter the mine.
"It had been blocked," Defense Minister Luis Cresencio told a news conference on Thursday.
"There is no space to move forward, there are obstructions... there are still some planks of wood. Even with their lights to see inside, they don't have the necessary visibility to identify what they're finding," Cresencio said.
Cresencio added that officials would continue efforts to attempt to enter the mine while ensuring the safety of rescue teams. The water depths in the three shafts measure about 30 feet (9 meters), 23 feet (7 meters) and 16 feet (5 meters).


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PH cited 1MDB debts to justify cutting Teraju funds, says PN minister

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Latiff Ahmad today backed Mohamed Azmin Ali's disclosure that RM400 million in funds for Teraju, the unit set up to empower the Bumiputera economy, was "wiped out" when Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over Putrajaya.
Latiff, of Perikatan Nasional (PN), said the reason given was that the government had to clear its debts from the 1MDB scandal.
"Paying 1MDB debts is a political answer," he added at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
"Don't give such excuses. This is about helping the Bumiputeras."
Azmin, the economic affairs minister under the PH administration, had said that the funds allocated for Teraju, were blocked by then finance minister Lim Guan Eng.
He also said his claim could be proven as the decision was made known in writing.
MalaysiaNow is attempting to reach Lim for a response.
Lim's former aide Tony Pua meanwhile launched a scathing attack on Azmin, saying the Bersatu leader was "using cheap lies to boost his popularity".
Pua also listed a series of allocations for Malay entrepreneurs as well as for Islamic development, although he did not specifically address the allegations about budget cuts for Teraju.
"The PH administration has been fair to all communities in the true spirit of a Malaysian government – without sacrificing the interests of any community, unlike the Barisan Nasional (BN) or PN governments which have failed to govern competently," he told MalaysiaNow.
When pressed on Teraju, Pua briefly replied: "We never blocked anything."
Speaking today, Latiff said one of the budget policies laid out in the 11th Malaysia Plan was a fund of RM2 billion for the Bumiputera.
"It's a five-year plan from 2016 to 2020 – Teraju would get RM400 million every year," he said.
When PH took over the administration of Putrajaya, he added, this was "wiped out".
"If the RM400 million fund had been given, a lot could have been done for Bumiputera entrepreneurs," he said.
He also called on whoever formed the government after the Nov 19 polls to continue the initiative.
On his announcement that he would not defend his parliamentary seat of Mersing, Latiff said it was time to make way for new faces as he had served as an MP for 27 years.
Latiff had won the Mersing seat on a BN ticket at the 14th general election, obtaining just under 20,000 votes and defeating his competitors from PAS and PKR.
He left Umno in December 2018 and joined Bersatu in February 2019.
"I've been a deputy minister for 17 years, and a minister for 32 months. It's enough, it's time to let others became ministers," he said.


6 dead, nearly 50,000 evacuated in floods

At least six people have died and nearly 50,000 evacuated after monsoon rains pounded the east coast, authorities said Friday, causing what residents described as the worst flooding in half a century.Authorities have stepped up rescue operations after locals complained they had to fend for themselves earlier this week.Heavy rains continued to batter the region on Friday, swelling the number of people abandoning their homes to more than 47,000, officials said.“I have lost everything. The water has covered my roof,” 59-year-old factory worker Tan Kong Leng told AFP, tears filling his eyes.Floods hit the region during the rainy season every year and regularly result in mass evacuations; but those in the affected areas say this year’s are the worst in decades.Many roads, including the main expressway that links the east coast states, have been closed.The worst-hit state is Pahang, where around 27,000 people have been evacuated in recent days, according to the social welfare department.In one village in the state cut off by floods, residents were evacuated in an excavator on Wednesday, while others were forced to swim through deep waters.Tan, the factory worker, and his wife took shelter at his plywood factory. They had just minutes to put their clothes in their car and flee to higher ground before the fast-rising waters engulfed their home.“I am sad. All my fittings and fixtures are destroyed. My biggest fear is that more rain will pour in the coming days. Look! There are dark clouds moving in fast,” he said.In one of the worst-hit districts in Pahang, residents complained that narrow and rubbish-filled drains contributed to the deluge.Mentakab resident Muhammad Fadzil Wahab said he and other locals have formed their own patrol units to prevent house break-ins.“We scout the entire flooded village at night with our small boats and torch lights,” he told AFP.“My family members are safe at the evacuation centres.”Adding to the complexity of rescue efforts, Malaysia is seeing a surge in coronavirus cases, reporting its biggest daily rise on Thursday.But Fadzil said government help has started to intensify, including boats and military trucks.“Thank Allah food, boats and medical assistance is now available,” he said.


US Senate passes same-sex marriage protection bill

The US Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would protect federal recognition of same-sex marriage, a measure taken up in response to worries the Supreme Court could overturn a 2015 decision that legalised it nationwide.
The narrowly tailored bill, which would require the federal government to recognise a marriage if it was legal in the state in which it was performed, is meant to be a backstop if the Supreme Court acted against same-sex marriage.
It would not bar states from blocking same-sex or interracial marriages if the Supreme Court allowed them to do so.
"Today the long but inexorable march towards greater equality advances forward," senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
"By passing this bill, the Senate is sending a message that every American needs to hear: no matter who you are or who you love, you too deserve dignity and equal treatment under the law."
The bill was passed 61 to 36, with 60 votes needed for passage. Twelve Republicans joined 49 Democrats in supporting the bill. One Democrat, Georgia's Raphael Warnock, was absent, as were two Republican senators.
A similar, but not identical, bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this year with support from 47 Republicans and all Democrats. The House would need to approve the Senate version before it is sent to President Joe Biden to sign into law.
No. 2 House Democrat Steny Hoyer told reporters on Tuesday the House would likely take up the Senate's version of the bill next week.
In June, the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion, undoing 50 years of precedent.
In a concurring opinion, Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas wrote the court should consider reversing other decisions protecting individual freedoms, including the 2015 ruling on gay marriage.
About 568,000 married same-sex couples live in the US, according to the US Census Bureau.


Mask up, use umbrellas, says health minister on haze

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has advised the public to mask up and use umbrellas and hats to avoid direct exposure to the heat and haze.
She said they also need to limit strenuous physical activity and the time spent outside, in a statement following the country's heat spell.
"Drink a lot of plain water even when not thirsty, at least eight glasses a day and take frequent baths to keep cool. Avoid wearing thick, tight and dark-coloured fabrics," she said, adding that people should seek immediate treatment if they are unwell.
Zaliha also asked the public to keep their windows closed and opt for the air recirculation mode when in their vehicles.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the haze is expected to be more severe this year when plantation and industrial activities return to normal operations.
Based on the monitoring of the weather status by the Meteorological Department yesterday, there are several areas reported to be at Level 1 (yellow) heatwave alert and no areas are reported to be at Level 2 (orange) heatwave alert.


US suspends 26 Chinese flights, responding to China flight cancellations

The US government said on Thursday it would suspend 26 China-bound flights from the US by four Chinese carriers in response to the Chinese government's decision to suspend some US carrier flights over Covid-19 cases.
The decision will suspend 26 flights by Xiamen, Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines starting Sept 5 and running through Sept 28. The US Department of Transportation cited the recent cancellation of 26 American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines flights over Covid-19 cases.
The suspensions include 19 flights from Los Angeles and seven China Eastern flights from New York.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.
Usdot said as of Aug 7 Chinese authorities revised their policies so if the number of passengers testing positive for Covid-19 reached 4% of the total number of passengers on a flight to China, one flight would be suspended and two flights if it reached 8%.
Usdot said the US government has repeatedly raised objections with the government of China saying the rules place "undue culpability on carriers" when travellers test negative before boarding their flight from the US only to "test positive for Covid-19 after their arrival in China."
Beijing and Washington have sparred over air services since the start of the pandemic. In August 2021, Usdot limited four flights from Chinese carriers to 40% passenger capacity for four weeks after Beijing imposed identical limits on four United Airlines flights.
Before the recent cancellations, three US airlines and four Chinese carriers were operating about 20 flights a week between the countries, well below the figure of more than 100 per week before the pandemic.


Malaysia's Covid-19 wave under control, says Khairy

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today said that the wave of Covid-19 infections in Malaysia, including the Omicron XBB variant, is under control.
He said there had been a decrease in new Covid-19 cases, to 13.4% last week compared to the previous week.
"I also asked the deputy director-general and infectious disease specialist about the admission (of Covid-19 patients) to hospitals. It appears normal, it is no longer increasing and might even drop.
"... and we found that although the fatality rate has increased slightly to 0.07% in the same comparative week, it is still much lower than the CFR (case fatality rate) indicator which we have set at 3%," he told a press conference in Sungai Buloh on the Covid-19 situation.
However, he advised everyone to remain vigilant, especially at ceramah programmes during the last few days of the general election campaign period. "So please be vigilant, be careful and be safe when you go and cast your votes. I have asked all the experts for their opinion whether it has peaked or is levelling off, in terms of the number of cases and so on, and they told me that the recent wave is under control," he said.
Khairy said health ministry had identified 40 cases of Covid-19 relating to the XBB variant between Nov 11 and 17, bringing the total number of cases of the variant to 60.
"But again, (although) XBB is overtaking (compared to Omicron BA.5), we have not seen correspondences in severity emerging which is a good sign for us," he said.
Khairy also urged the public to get vaccinated against Covid-19, saying this could reduce the symptoms of infection as well as side effects that could lead to death.
"The incidence of death among patients who have never been vaccinated is three times higher than among patients who have received two doses of vaccine and seven times higher than in patients who have received one booster dose," he said. Khairy said vaccination efforts had successfully reduced all indicators of disease severity in terms of hospitalisation and the use of respiratory aid devices.
On the treatment of Covid-19 patients, he said there had been no deaths among patients treated with Paxlovid at the community level.
"So far, the patients given Paxlovid and others at the health clinic have all recovered. This means that we are probably really at the end of the transition to endemicity," he said.
On CanSino Biological's inhalable vaccine, he said the health ministry was recruiting participants for a trial, which is expected to start in the next few months.
"We are excited about this because I think the next health minister after the election will announce the vaccination recommendations for the future, whether it is annual vaccinations or who should get annual vaccinations," he said.


Fighting rages in east Ukraine, Europe agrees extra military aid to Ukraine

Russian forces pounded targets in eastern and southern Ukraine with missiles, drones and artillery, Ukraine's General Staff said on Monday, while millions remained without power in subzero temperatures after further strikes on key infrastructure.
European Union foreign ministers agreed to put another US$2.1 billion (about RM9.3 billion) into a fund that has been used to pay for military support for Ukraine, after it was largely depleted during almost 10 months of the war.
The EU ministers were also due to to discuss a ninth package of sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, while Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky was set to address an online gathering of Group of Seven (G7) leaders about the war.
There are no peace talks and no end in sight to the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two, which Moscow describes as a "special military operation" and Ukraine and its allies call an unprovoked act of aggression.
Russia does not yet see a "constructive" approach from the US on the Ukraine conflict, RIA news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin as saying on Monday.
US President Joe Biden told Zelensky on Sunday Washington was prioritising efforts to boost Ukraine's air defences, the White House said. Zelensky said he had thanked Biden in the call for the "unprecedented defence and financial" help the US has provided.
Asked about security guarantees that Moscow is seeking from Nato, Polish President Andrzej Duda said the alliance could guarantee that it would not treat Russia in the same way Russia is treating Ukraine.
Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday resumed operations suspended after Russia used Iranian-made drones on Saturday to hit two energy facilities. Power is slowly being restored to some 1.5 million people, but the situation remains difficult, national grid operator Ukrenergo said on Monday.
Zelensky said other areas experiencing "very difficult" conditions with power supplies included the capital Kyiv and Kyiv region and four regions in western Ukraine and Dnipropetrovsk region in the centre of the country.
The Kyiv region administration said 14 settlements there still had no power and 37 more were partially without power.
There were no reports of fresh strikes or blackouts overnight into Monday.
Heavy fighting
United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths arrived in Ukraine on Monday to see "the impact of the humanitarian response and new challenges that have arisen as infrastructure damage mounts amid freezing winter temperatures", his office said.
In its daily update on the military situation, Ukraine's General Staff said its forces had repelled Russian assaults on four settlements in the eastern Donetsk region and on eight settlements in the adjacent Luhansk region.
The regions are two of four in eastern and southern Ukraine that Moscow claims to have annexed after "referendums" branded illegal by Kyiv.
Ukraine has said Russian forces are suffering huge losses on the eastern front in brutal fighting that is also taking its toll on its own troops.
"There are days when there are many heavily wounded: four or five amputations at once," Oleksii, a 35-year-old army doctor who declined to give his full name, told Reuters at a military hospital in eastern Ukraine.
At least two people were killed and five wounded in Kherson on Monday after what regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said was "massive shelling" by Russian forces of the southern city liberated by Ukrainian forces last month.
Many members of Russia's private Wagner military group were killed when Ukraine targeted a hotel in the town of Kadiivka in Luhansk where they were based, the exiled governor of the Russian-occupied region, Serhiy Gaidai, said on Sunday.
Ukrainian forces had also hit a recreational centre used by Russian troops in Melitopol in the southeast, the city's exiled mayor, Ivan Fedorov, said.
Reuters could not independently verify the latest battlefield accounts.
Diplomacy
On the diplomatic front, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz was set to give a news conference at 1630 GMT after Zelensky had addressed G7 leaders about the situation in Ukraine.
"We are constantly working with partners," Zelensky said on Sunday after talking to Biden, France's Emmanuel Macron and Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan, adding that he expects some "important results" from the upcoming international discussions on Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told CBS's "60 Minutes" Washington's support for Ukraine's military and economy - more than US$50 billion - would continue "for as long as it takes" and reiterated that ending the war was the single best thing the US could do for the global economy.
Poland's Duda said Poland and Germany should press the EU for more financial aid to help with an expected increase in Ukrainian refugees this winter. Poland has hosted millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war.
Earlier, Zelensky said his talks on Sunday with Turkey's Erdogan had focused on safeguarding Ukraine's grain exports.
Turkey, which acted as a mediator in peace talks in the early months of the war, also worked alongside the United Nations on a grain deal, which opened up Ukrainian ports for exports in July after a six-month de facto Russian blockade.
Erdogan's office said the Turkish leader had also spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday and had called for a quick end to the conflict.
Putin said last week that Moscow's near-total loss of trust in the West would make an eventual settlement over Ukraine much harder to reach and warned of a protracted war.


6 fined RM50,000 total over SOP violations at KL entertainment centre

Six individuals including three women were slapped with compound notices totalling RM50,000 for violating the movement control SOPs at an entertainment centre in Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.Dang Wangi district police chief ACP Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the owner of the premises was compounded RM25,000 for committing an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations (No 2) 2021, while five patrons were fined RM5,000 each.He said a Vietnamese woman and a Bangladeshi man, who were also at the premises during the 5pm raid, were detained and an investigation paper will be opened under the Immigration Act 1959/63.“During the raid, people aged between 36 and 54 were having a good time, not maintaining physical distancing and not wearing face masks,” he said.He said surveillance found that the premises had been operating for several days from 3pm for regular customers who entered through the back door.Prior to that, the owner told the investigation officer that two workers had come to the premises with their friends to collect their salaries and to finish up the remaining food and alcoholic beverage stock there.


PAS maintains no dissolution of state assemblies

PAS today said it would abide by its previous decision not to dissolve the legislative assemblies in the states under its control, defying the prime minister's call for state polls to be held in tandem with the 15th general election (GE15).
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the central committee meeting today had decided that the state legislative assemblies of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah would not be dissolved.
It also agreed to strengthen its cooperation with Perikatan Nasional in facing GE15, and to finalise talks on the distribution of seats for the election.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who announced the dissolution of Parliament on Oct 10, had urged the heads of state governments with the exception of Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka and Johor to dissolve their state legislative assemblies to allow the elections to be held simultaneously.
PAS however said two days before the announcement that it would not raise the issue of dissolving its state assemblies, in order to focus on preparations for the monsoon season expected from mid-November until March 2023.
Hadi had also cited efforts and measures to ensure economic recovery post Covid-19.
PAS, which is part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, had repeatedly disagreed with Umno's calls for early polls this year, echoing concerns that an election would disrupt measures to prepare for the monsoon season, which causes floods on an annual basis.


Global condemnation after bloodiest day since Myanmar coup

Defence chiefs from a dozen countries on Sunday jointly condemned the bloodbath in Myanmar a day earlier, when at least 90 people – including several children – were killed after security forces opened fire on anti-coup protesters.Myanmar has been in turmoil since the generals ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering mass protests demanding a return to democracy.The junta on Saturday staged a major show of might for its annual Armed Forces Day as the death toll since the Feb 1 coup climbed to at least 423, according to a local monitoring group.The defence ministers of 12 countries including the US, Britain, Japan and Australia condemned the Myanmar military’s use of lethal force against civilians.“A professional military follows international standards for conduct and is responsible for protecting – not harming – the people it serves,” the rare joint statement said.“We urge the Myanmar armed forces to cease violence and work to restore respect and credibility with the people of Myanmar that it has lost through its actions.”Mourners were expected to turn out for funeral processions across the country Sunday, after the bloodiest day since the putsch.Protesters with flags hit the streets in the morning at Bago city, northeast of Yangon, and the small town of Moe Kaung in Kachin state.A day earlier violence erupted across the country with the military using live rounds in nine regions, including the largest city Yangon, local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) said.By sunset, AAPP said at least 90 people had been killed. Local media, however, put the death toll higher at 114.“Junta forces shot machine guns into residential areas, resulting in many civilians, including six children between 10 and 16 years old, killed,” AAPP said.“The fact the illegitimate military regime is targeting children is a grave act of inhumanity.”Rebels in eastern Myanmar’s Karen state said they had been targeted in air strikes late Saturday, hours after the ethnic armed group seized a military base.Hsa Moo, an ethnic Karen and human right activist said three people were killed and at least eight were injured.“The people are worried about whether the air strikes would come again today,” she told AFP.It was the first air assault in years in the state, and targeted the Fifth Brigade of the Karen National Union (KNU) – one of the country’s largest armed groups – which says it represents the ethnic Karen people.The junta did not immediately comment, and there was no official confirmation of any casualties.‘Harmful to state tranquillity’There was a grand parade of troops and military vehicles in the capital Naypyidaw on Saturday where junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing defended the coup and pledged to yield power after new elections.But he also issued a threat to the anti-coup movement, warning that acts of “terrorism which can be harmful to state tranquillity and security” were unacceptable.“The democracy we desire would be an undisciplined one if they pay no respect to and violate the law”, he said.Armed Forces Day commemorates the start of local resistance to the Japanese occupation during World War II, and usually features a military parade attended by foreign military officers and diplomats.The junta announced that eight international delegations attended Saturday’s event, including those of China and Russia – with a state media broadcast showing Russian deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin in the audience.Overnight, at the Miss Grand International beauty pageant in Bangkok, a tearful Myanmar contender, Han Lay, pleaded for peace.“I deeply feel sorry for all the people who have lost their lives on the streets,” she said in an emotional address, before singing Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World”.“Please help Myanmar, we need your urgent international help right now.”The Myanmar embassy in London on Sunday confirmed the ambassador met with Suu Kyi’s youngest son Kim, 44, last week, who reiterated a request to speak to his mother by telephone.“Kim asked about his mother’s situation and her health. He is obviously extremely worried,” the embassy said on its Facebook page, adding it had already sent three letters to Naypyidaw.


Some 1.4 million vaccine applications cannot be processed

Some 1.4 million applications for vaccination under the government’s Covid-19 immunisation programme cannot be processed due to incomplete forms.Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said missing details include the latest address of applicants and answers to questions on medical evaluations.“Complete registration process is needed in order to secure an appointment for vaccination,” he said at a joint press conference with Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.He said those who send incomplete applications will be reminded by SMS to re-submit their requests with the missing details.Khairy said authorities could not depend on the address given in applicants’ MyKads.“The address is crucial as the appointment is fixed at the nearest health centre,” he added.Meanwhile, Khairy said he would meet with representatives from private hospitals on their involvment in helping the government with the vaccination programme.He also announced that Malaysia might vaccinate teenagers, pending the results of tests being carried out by Pfizer and AstraZeneca.Some 5.5 million people had registered for Covid-19 jabs as of today.The bulk of these – 1,617,617 – are in Selangor, followed by Johor (706,873) and Kuala Lumpur (501,373).Putrajaya saw the biggest increase in registrations at 69.5%, followed by Kuala Lumpur (33.9%) and Selangor (33.4%).StateTotal registrationsIncrease in registrationsPerlis33,72817.9%Kedah275,53417.2%Penang391,57328.3%Perak378,02219.5%Selangor1,617,61733.4%Kuala Lumpur501,37333.9%Putrajaya223,97969.5%Negeri Sembilan223,97926.4%Melaka172,84824.7%Kelantan145,81611.8%Terengganu137,07916.3%Pahang210,68117.1%Johor706,87324.9%Sabah241,4928.2%Labuan18,88826.1%Sarawak439,08821.2%5,534,114National increase in registrations: 22.8%


South Korea warns of 'very strong' typhoon, businesses curb operations

South Korea issued warnings on bad weather and raised its typhoon alert level to its highest as typhoon Hinnamnor neared on Monday, with heavy rain and strong wind already lashing southern parts of the country.
Responding to the progress of the typhoon, companies in the country said they have either curtailed operations or are contemplating doing so.
Travelling northward at a speed of 19km per hour, Hinnamnor is expected to make landfall 90km southwest of the port city of Busan early on Tuesday, after reaching waters off Jeju Island around Monday midnight.
"Very strong winds and heavy rains are expected across the country through to Tuesday due to the typhoon, while there will be places where very high waves cross breakwaters and coastal roads along with storm and tsunami," the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said.
While typhoons are classified into four categories – medium, strong, very strong, super strong – Hinnamnor is expected to reach the country as a "very strong" typhoon, according to the KMA. Typhoons under that classification have wind speeds of up to 53 metres per second.
Warnings have been issued across the southern cities, including Gwangju, Busan, Daegu and Ulsan, following that in the southern island of Jeju, while the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on Sunday upgraded its typhoon alert level to the highest among its four-tier system, the first time in five years.
On Sunday, President Yoon Suk-yeol met with authorities to review the response system, while promising to put all efforts in minimising damage from the typhoon.
Busan city and its neighbouring areas have received rain throughout the weekend, with more rain forecast for Monday and Tuesday.
Steelmaker POSCO told Reuters it is considering suspending some of its production processes in the city of Pohang on Tuesday, while SK Innovation, owner of South Korea’s top refiner SK Energy, said it asked carrier ships not to operate until the typhoon passes.
Responding to local media reports over the planned halts of their operations, South Korean shipbuilders Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and Samsung Heavy Industries, DSME said a decision on suspending its operations will be made later on Monday.
Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines have cancelled most of their Monday flights to Jeju Island, according to their websites, while budget airlines such as Air Seoul and Jin Air have cancelled some of their flights.


US tightens export controls to Myanmar after protesters killed

The US on Thursday tightened export controls on Myanmar, imposing its latest sanctions in response to the junta’s deadly violence against democracy protesters.Myanmar was reclassified into the same group as US adversaries Russia and China in the level of scrutiny for any sensitive technology or materials, with restrictions on any exports that could be put to military use.Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was taking the latest measures “in response to shocking and deadly violence against protestors in Burma”.“We call for the restoration of democracy in Burma,” he wrote on Twitter, using Myanmar’s former name.The Commerce Department said it was taking the measures and studying further actions “in response to the military coup and escalating violence against peaceful protesters”.The new regulations affect exports to Myanmar’s ministries of defense and home affairs as well as two state-owned firms, Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanmar Economic Holding Limited.State Department spokesman Ned Price voiced outrage after more protesters were shot dead by the junta, which on Feb 1 ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi following a decade of democracy.“This latest escalation in violence demonstrates the fact of the junta’s complete disregard for their own people – for the people of Burma. It is unacceptable,” Price said.“The US will continue to respond in tandem with our partners and allies around the world,” he said.Price added that the US was also “deeply concerned” about the arrests of journalists and renewed a call for their immediate release.


China withdraws as 2023 football Asian Cup host due to pandemic

China has withdrawn as the 2023 Asian Cup host due to the coronavirus, football officials said Saturday, with Beijing’s strict zero-Covid strategy dealing another blow to the country’s sporting ambitions.Authorities in China are pursuing a strategy of stamping out the virus entirely, which includes rapid lockdowns and mass testing, and millions in Shanghai have faced onerous restrictions for more than a month.But the measures – now rare globally, as most countries shift to living with Covid – have made hosting sporting events a major challenge.The Olympic-sized Asian Games, due to be staged in September in Hangzhou, had already been postponed last week, and on Saturday the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said China would not host the Asian Cup.Chinese football officials had informed the governing body that they would not be able to host the 24-team competition, which was to be staged in 10 cities in June and July next year.No new host nation was named, with the AFC saying that next steps related to the tournament would be announced in due course.“The AFC acknowledges the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the relinquishment by (China) of its hosting rights,” the governing body said in a statement.Those involved in organising the tournament had made “this very difficult but necessary decision in the collective interests of” the tournament, it added.The Asian Cup is staged every four years. Qatar won the last edition in 2019.It would have been the second time that China had staged the Asian Cup. They hosted it in 2004, when they lost 3-1 to Japan in the final.Blow to China’s rulersThe loss of major sporting events is a blow to the ruling Communist Party, which had burnished its global image with an array of dazzling spectacles such as Beijing’s 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter OlympicsChina has also staged tennis and golf tournaments featuring all the world’s leading stars, and a showpiece annual Formula One grand prix.But with the exception of this year’s Winter Olympics – held in a virus-secure, closed-loop Beijing bubble in February – the world’s most populous nation has cancelled or postponed almost all events since Covid emerged in Wuhan in late 2019.Experts now believe that the costly and labour-intensive Winter Olympics bubble now appears to have been the exception rather than the rule.Asian Games organisers have said new dates will be announced “in the near future” for the tournament, which typically attracts more than 10,000 athletes and were scheduled to take place from Sept 10 to 25.Host city Hangzhou lies less than 200km from Covid-hit Shanghai.China’s biggest city has for weeks faced a shifting mosaic of lockdowns that have seen some of its 25 million residents scuffle with police and unleash a flood of fury and frustration on social media.There was panic buying in Beijing last week after rumours spread that the capital could be placed under an onerous lockdown like that in Shanghai. Hundreds of areas across the capital are facing some form of restrictions as cases rise.


PN presses Anwar after returning from Saudi trip without meeting crown prince

Perikatan Nasional (PN) has demanded an explanation from the government on what transpired during Anwar Ibrahim's recent official visit to Saudi Arabia, where the prime minister and his entourage of ministers failed to meet with the kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The opposition coalition also urged Anwar to provide a full disclosure of the cost of the trip, including the security details and others members of the entourage, to MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.
"Saudi Arabia is not only an important trading partner for Malaysia, but also has close ties with our nation.
"On top of this, the prime minister is urged to explain the failure of this visit in the Dewan Rakyat so that MPs can unravel and discuss further, in order to ensure the continuation of the close bilateral relations between the two countries," said Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who heads PN's international affairs committee.
Questions were raised after it was confirmed that Anwar was unable to meet Mohammed, the Saudi crown prince who is also the prime minister, despite a meeting scheduled as the highlight of his three-day visit.
Wisma Putra earlier said that the visit was at the invitation of Mohammed.
A Bernama report said the meeting did not take place as the crown prince had a change of plans ahead of the Ramadan month.
At least two diplomats who spoke to MalaysiaNow said the incident amounted to a diplomatic embarrassment for the government, and questioned the contrast in level of hospitality extended to Anwar and former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin during his visit to the kingdom two years ago.
Wan Fayhsal said there were no news reports to indicate that Anwar, who performed the umrah in Mecca on the first day of his visit, had been given the honour to enter the kaabah as was the case with Muhyiddin and other former prime ministers during their official trips to Saudi Arabia.
He also urged the Prime Minister's Office to answer "serious questions" surrounding Malaysia-Saudi ties.
"It is common knowledge that the prime minister will only embark on an official visit when all arrangements for invitations and meetings have been confirmed by both countries.
"In this regard, did the PMO confirm all the meetings including the meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before leaving for Saudi Arabia?" he asked.
Wan Fayhsal also noted the importance of Saudi Arabia, not only as the custodian of Islam's two holy places of Mecca and Medina, but also a crucial trading partner for Malaysia.
"The Saudi investment through Saudi Aramco in Pengerang is one example of a high-impact investment that helps Malaysia in the development of the high-tech oil and gas industry," he said.
"In line with the firmness of the prime minister in implementing austerity policies in the administration, I call upon him to present in Parliament the entire cost of this visit, including the preparations that have been made involving all the travel costs, as well as the security details, delegations from the PMO and offices of ministers who accompanied the prime minister during the visit to Saudi Arabia."


Johor to head to polls on March 12

Johor will go to the polls for its state election on March 12, the Election Commission (EC) announced today.Nomination meanwhile will be held on Feb 26 while early voting will be on March 8.EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said at a press conference that the master electoral roll 2021, last updated Jan 21, would be used.The electoral roll contains the names of 2,597,742 voters: 2,574,835 regular voters, 10,955 military personnel and their spouses, 11,576 police personnel and their spouses, and 376 absentee or overseas voters.Ghani said the election is expected to cost some RM96 million.He said 1,021 polling centres with 4,638 voting channels would be used on polling day, while 63 centres with 83 channels would be used for early voting.


More than 4,000 from Singapore entered Malaysia by land in first 5 days of VTL

Well over 4,000 people travelled from Singapore to Malaysia by land during the first five days of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) programme which began last week.According to immigration authorities in the island republic, 4,343 people travelled to Malaysia under the land VTL as of Friday afternoon, far more than the number travelling in the opposite direction.Under the VTL scheme, a maximum of 2,880 people per day are allowed to cross the Singapore-Malaysia border.Singapore daily The Straits Times said the 4,343 travellers who entered Malaysia represented about 60% of the quota allowed, versus 690 or 9.5% headed for Singapore.The VTL programme for both land and air travel began on Nov 29, allowing cross-border movements between the two countries for the first time in almost two years.According to Reuters, as many as 300,000 Malaysians had commuted daily to the city-state before the pandemic.The VTL arrangement allows up to 1,440 vaccinated travellers from each side to travel if they hold citizenship, permanent residency or long-term visas in the destination country, without undergoing quarantine.The Straits Times said a total of 2,771 travellers had entered Singapore from Malaysia by air in the first five days of the VTL scheme.One Covid-19 case was detected at the Johor Causeway entry point on Nov 29, although Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this would not derail the VTL arrangement.“Instead, it should be an example of how pre-departure and on-arrival testing and the like are necessary preventive measures,” he said.“There will be positive cases but the important thing is our diagnostic capability and requirements as well as risk assessment undertaken by PKDs when such cases happen.”


No to UEC recognition, govt says again

The education ministry has again made clear that it will not recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), in a move likely to rattle DAP, one of the main parties in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government and which has been at the forefront of calls to recognise the private Chinese school examination.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the decision was in keeping with the National Education Policy as well as the the Education Act.
"To date, the education ministry has no plans to recognise the UEC conducted at private Chinese secondary schools," she said in a written parliamentary reply to a question from Sabri Azit yesterday.
This was the second time in less than two weeks that Fadhlina had said the government would not recognise the certificate.
On Feb 20, she said her ministry did not view the issue as a priority, in a reply to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
The UEC is considered a hot button issue for Anwar, whose Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition has been struggling with a lack of Malay support following gains by Perikatan Nasional in the general election last year.
Umno, whose support was crucial for Anwar in forming the government, has attacked those calling for the UEC's recognition.
Days after Anwar took the top office last year, Chinese education group Dong Zong called for the UEC to be recognised for entry to local higher learning institutions.
In its general election manifesto last year, PH pledged to continue efforts to recognise the examination for entry into public universities by including a condition that applicants should possess at least a credit in their SPM Bahasa Melayu paper.
"To fulfil this objective, the UEC will be accepted similarly to the existing general requirements for IPTA enrollment," said the PH manifesto.
In 2020, DAP leader Nga Kor Ming warned that the party would not hesitate to leave the PH administration led by then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad if it refused to recognise the UEC.
"We have even reached a consensus – if the UEC is not recognised, DAP will go even to the extent of not hesitating to withdraw itself from the government.
"It's okay not to be in government. This is our basic principle that we will continue to uphold," he reportedly told Chinese-language Oriental Daily in an interview.


Moving Nurul Izzah to finance ministry still nepotism, says PN

MPs from Perikatan Nasional today urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to put a halt to all incidents of nepotism and cronyism, citing his appointment of his daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar to a government position even without payment of allowance or salary.
Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan also questioned Nurul's transfer from the Prime Minister's Office to the finance ministry, saying it was still proof of nepotism in the government.
Since the establishment of the coalition government in the wake of the general election, he said, Pakatan Harapan had been "sharing a bed" with Barisan Nasional, to the point that it was willing to violate its past principles.
"It's not a question of qualification, or whether or not emoluments are made," he said at a press conference in Parliament.
"It's about the risk of conflict of interest in government administration. As secretariat chief, Nurul will almost certainly have facilities and access to the work being carried out by the committee in question."
Nurul, who revealed last month that she had been appointed as a senior economic and finance adviser to the prime minister, said on Feb 13 that she had now joined the finance minister's special advisory body, chaired by Mohd Hassan Marican.
The role of the secretariat is to advise the finance minister on ways to increase the country's revenue base and reduce its operating expenses.
It is also responsible for advising the ministry on matters related to subsidies, reviewing and restructuring existing subsidies, and the provision of more holistic social protections.
"With this new role, I no longer serve as a senior economic and finance adviser to the prime minister," Nurul said.
Wan Saiful said if Anwar allowed the appointment to take place, it would only invite embarrassment for the country.
"Even in countries like Burundi and Kiribati, they do not do things the way that the Malaysia Madani leaders do," he said.


EPF withdrawals going to non-emergency spending too, survey shows

While a sizeable number of those withdrawing from their EPF Account 1 under the government’s i-Sinar programme are using the money for essential matters such as the repayment of monthly instalments and the purchase of food and groceries, many are also spending on items seen as non-critical such as electronic gadgets or investing the funds in gold or stocks, a new survey shows.The results of the survey by the UCSI Poll Research Centre, released today, show that 34.9% of respondents used their withdrawals for investment purposes while 32% spent the money on home repairs or minor renovations.Just over 24% said they used the money to purchase gadgets, phones or computers while 18.4% said they saved the money in their bank accounts.In terms of essential matters, 55.5% used their withdrawals to repay monthly instalments while 48.6% used the funds to purchase food and groceries.The i-Sinar programme is an extension of the government’s i-Lestari programme which allows a monthly withdrawal of up to RM500 from Account 2.Under the initiative, EPF contributors have access to up to 10% of their savings in Account 1 as long as they have a minimum balance of RM100.Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz told the Dewan Rakyat in November last year that the programme would benefit some eight million EPF contributors and involve about RM70 billion from the retirement fund.Some 68% of respondents in UCSI’s survey titled “The Helpfulness of i-Sinar Scheme to You” said the programme was useful in helping with financial difficulties.Nearly 21% said it was somewhat useful while just under 11% said it was not useful.The survey was conducted among 809 participants who had withdrawn from or planned to participate in the i-Sinar scheme.Just under 60% – 59.9% – of those aged 26 to 39 said they used the money to repay monthly instalments while a similar number – 59.2% – of those aged 40 to 55 said the same, compared to 47.7% of those aged 56 and above.A total of 47.7% respondents aged 26 to 39 said they used the money for food and groceries, compared to 60.2% of those aged 40 to 55 and 59.1% of those aged 56 and above.Only 28.9% of those aged 26 to 39 said they used the money for investment, compared to 41.4% of those aged 40 to 55 and 18.2% of those aged 56 and above.In terms of household income, the M40 group had the highest number of respondents – 65.8% – using withdrawals for the repayment of instalments versus 53.3% from the B40 group and 31.8% from the T20 group.The M40 group also had the highest number of respondents – 56.6% – using the money for food and groceries compared to 46.7% from the B40 group and 31.8% from the T20 group. For investments, meanwhile, the T20 group had the most respondents at 47.7% compared to 35.3% from the B40 group and 31.1% from the M40.In terms of area of residence, 51.9% of respondents from urban areas said they used the money for monthly repayments compared to 59.7% from semi-urban areas and 57.7% from rural areas.44% of urban dwellers used the money for food and groceries compared to 50.9% from semi-urban areas and 64.4% from rural areas.In terms of investments, 38% of respondents from urban areas said they used the money for this purpose compared to 33.3% from semi-urban areas and 23.3% from rural areas.


Those who lose fully vaxxed status can still dine in, enter public premises, says Khairy

Individuals who lose their fully vaccinated status from April 1 due to not getting their booster shots can still carry out the same activities as those who are completely vaccinated, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.These activities include dining in at restaurants and entering shopping malls, workplaces and places of worship.“As such, premise owners need to ensure that only customers or visitors who have at least completed their primer vaccination shots are allowed to enter their premises,” he said in a statement.He said as previously announced, Sinovac and Sinopharm recipients aged 18 and above as well as primer dose recipients aged 60 and above would lose their fully vaccinated status in the MySejahtera app if they fail to get their booster shots.However, he said the history of the primer vaccinations would remain on the app.Khairy said individuals are considered as having completed their primer dose vaccinations when they fulfil certain criteria, including completing the 14-day waiting period after getting the second shot for two-shot vaccines like Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinovac.For single-shot vaccines like Johnson & Johnson and CanSino, individuals must also complete the 14-day waiting period after getting the shot before being allowed to engage in all normal activities.Foreign travellers entering Malaysia need to comply with the set SOPs, under which only travellers who have completed their vaccination (both primer dose vaccinations and booster shot vaccinations) will be permitted to enter premises.“The announcement of the latest SOPs, however, does not mean that Sinovac recipients aged 18 and above and recipients of all vaccines aged 60 and above do not need their booster shots,” Khairy added.Khairy said assessment data conducted on all vaccine recipients in Malaysia revealed that the level of protection against Covid-19 infection dropped by 20% for double Pfizer doses and 48% for Sinovac double doses in the period of three to five months after the primer vaccinations.He said booster shots will bring up the levels of antibodies in the body and reduce the risk of severe symptoms from Covid-19 infection.“As such, the health ministry would like to advise and encourage those who haven’t received their booster shots to get them immediately,” he added.