Health ministry considering Sinovac, AstraZeneca for booster jabs

The health ministry is considering using the Sinovac and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines as booster shots, says its minister Khairy Jamaluddin.He said the matter will be discussed by the Drug Control Authority (DCA) in a meeting chaired by health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.“Included in the agenda of this meeting is to consider the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines as booster doses. When the DCA makes its decision, I will announce our policy,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2022 at the policy level in the Dewan Rakyat today.He said this in response to Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) who wanted to know whether the government plans to allow the Sinovac vaccine to be given as a booster dose especially for those who had received the same type of vaccine.To expedite the administration of booster doses in the country, Khairy said the health ministry would reopen several vaccination centres in addition to using the services of public and private health facilities.


Entry of foreign workers on the list at Dewan Rakyat sitting

The issue of encroachment by foreign fishermen and efforts to speed up the entry of foreign workers to solve the shortage of workers will be among the topics of focus at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
Based on the order paper, the issue of foreign fishermen encroachments will be raised by Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) in a question to the home minister.
Marzuk will ask about the government's efforts to overcome issues affecting the income of local fishermen and the encroachment on the country’s sovereignty.
Also listed is Lim Guan Eng's (PH-Bagan) question to the human resources minister regarding the government's efforts to accelerate the entry of foreign workers, the expected time frame for the government to tackle the shortage of foreign workers, and the relaxations provided to employers.
Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) will ask whether the government intends to give one-off cash assistance to rubber tappers who are affected by the year-round rain, and the factors that cause low rubber prices through a question to the rural and regional development minister.
Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Kuching) will raise the issue of overcrowding in the emergency departments of hospitals across the country and the government’s plans to resolve it through a question to the health ministry.
The Parliament sitting today will also witness the House continue its debate on the motion of thanks to the royal address.
The Dewan Rakyat will convene until March 30.


Impossible to keep out Myanmar illegal border-crossers, says Thai army

The latest infection cluster in Thailand at a shrimp market in Samut Sakhon is linked to migrant labourers, the country’s public health ministry has confirmed.Dr Vichan Pawun, director of the Institute for Urban Disease Control, said that the institute’s epidemiological analysis has found that migrant workers at the central shrimp market in Muang district are almost certainly the cause of the latest infections.He said the latest Covid-19 tests have found 90% of infections were Myanmar migrant workers living in that area in crowded rooms with minimal sanitary standards.Following calls to be more vigilant at Thailand’s borders, the army admitted on Monday that it is impossible to completely seal them off from illegal migrants, reports the Bangkok Post.Deputy army chief-of-staff Lt Gen Santipong Thammapiya said illegal migrants are still sneaking into Thailand from Myanmar, especially at highly porous locations in Tak, Chiang Rai and Kanchanaburi. He claimed nearly 300 Myanmar nationals have been caught and sent back over the last few days.“Illegal migrant labourers are still crossing the border using natural channels, even though we have deployed a legion of soldiers to guard the demarcation. Our border is 5,526km long,” the general said.“The army will add even more resources, including drones, mobile patrol units and razor-wire fences to secure high-risk areas.”He said 200 soldiers have been sent to Samut Sakhon, the scene of the latest Covid-19 infection cluster, to boost the authorities’ screening and checkpoint capacity.The number of confirmed Covid-19 patients from the Samut Sakhon cluster reached 821 on Monday night. 788 were migrant workers and the other 33 were Thais.The public health ministry is administering Covid-19 tests to Myanmar migrant workers across the country.


Middle class, the left-behind group in Budget 2022?

While Budget 2022 was Malaysia’s largest budget ever, not much was provided for the middle class or M40 group despite their position as taxpayers in the country, economists say.Speaking to MalaysiaNow, they said the RM332.1 billion budget tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday had continued the trend of focusing on cash aid for the B40 group to help cushion the economic impact of Covid-19.Barjoyai Bardai from Universiti Tun Razak said even though 10% of the group had reportedly slipped into the B40 category, they remained unacknowledged in the 2022 budget.“In the budget speech, we still speak of the B40,” he said. “But the M40 are actually the most affected group, and are often ignored even though they are loyal taxpayers.”Even if no cash aid is provided for the middle class, he added, they should at least be given adequate tax relief or other forms of assistance to ease their burden.Such burdens include the rising cost of living as well as the increase in price of goods, he said.In his budget speech, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said the government planned to extend the special individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 for the purchase of mobile phones, computers and tablets until Dec 31 next year.For the B40 group, the biggest allocation by far for aid is the Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia, where RM2,000 will be channelled to households with three or more children and incomes of less than RM2,500 per month.Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff, an economist with Universiti Putra Malaysia, said the government might have assumed that the middle class are able to survive without any assistance given that the country is in the so-called recovery phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.“But the M40 need to be taken into account as well,” he said, adding that the price of goods is expected to increase due to bottlenecks in the supply chain.“The cost of living and home ownership are still the main issues for the M40, and a resolution is nowhere in sight.”Barjoyai said other groups who had been left out of the budget this time included those who had lost their jobs but had not reported it, such as the self-employed, or those who work at micro businesses but are not registered as employees.“When they lose their jobs, they are not included in the statistics for unemployment,” he said.“When the government announced cash aid of RM500 for those who had lost their jobs, the number given was only 900,000 people.”He urged the government to invest in developing a database that can be accessed through smartphones.For Carmelo Ferlito, a senior fellow at the IDEAS think tank, the issue is not so much who receives what or how much is allocated for which segment. Rather, it is the measures laid out to steer the country towards long-term recovery.“It will be a temporary relief for households,” he said of Budget 2022.“There is an attempt to increase the tax base, which is good, but this is probably done in the wrong way – introducing new taxes which can discourage recovery while at the same time failing to address the need for a more holistic tax reform.”


Sarawak youths win court bid over implementation of Undi 18

The Kuching High Court today ordered the government to implement the Undi18 law, allowing some 135,000 Sarawakian youth aged 18 to 20 to vote at the coming polls.The decision is a victory for the five youths who filed a judicial review to compel Putrajaya to implement the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18 which was unanimously passed in Parliament two years ago.Ivan Alexander Ong, 19, one of the applicants, said today’s victory was not expected as they had hoped to send a message that delaying the implemenation of Undi 18 was “irrational, illegal, disproportionate” and a form of “voter suppression”.“Therefore, my fellow applicants and I are beyond jubilant by the outcome of the ruling today.“Now, in the upcoming general elections, there will be approximately eight million new voters, which is a significant figure that can change the course of an election,” said Ong.“As far as law reform is concerned, the Cabinet members who form the government must themselves have a conviction for reform.”The four other youth who filed the judicial review together with Ong were Sharifah Maheerah Syed Haizir, Chang Swee Ern, Viviyen Desi Geoge and Tiffany Wee Ke Ying.In a statement welcoming the decision, pressure group Undi Sarawak said it hoped the same ruling would be issued by the Kuala Lumpur High Court next month, in a similar suit by 18 applicants.“We hope the verdict made today will set a precedent for the ruling for the Kuala Lumpur chapter and become a hallmark achievement for Malaysian youth.“With that, Malaysian youths can finally exercise their fundamental constitutional rights bestowed upon them by the Federal Constitution, in creating a much more prosperous Malaysia,” the group said.The voting age for Malaysians was lowered from 21 to 18 after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 16, 2019, and by Dewan Negara on July 25 the same year.However, the Election Commission (EC) said in March that Undi 18 and automatic voter registration could only be implemented after Sept 1 next year due to various constraints and issues.EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said that while preparations were on track, current developments and the Covid-19 restrictions had affected its plans.This sparked a backlash including among ministers, with Khairy Jamaluddin who was science, technology and innovation minister at the time saying then-law minister Takiyuddin Hassan had said in Parliament last November that the July 2021 target would remain for both the lowering of voting age and implementation of automatic voter registration.Khairy also cited another statement on June 7 last year in which the EC chairman had said that preparations including for amendments to existing laws and regulations and the provision of systems and infrastructure would be complete by July this year.


Capital A bosses paid RM14 million and change in 2021

Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun received salaries of more than RM14 million each for the 2021 financial year (FY2021) ending Dec 31, Capital A Bhd’s annual report shows – a huge increase from what they received in 2020.This comes amid mounting criticism from members of the public still waiting to be refunded for flights cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.The report, published on April 29, said Fernandes – the CEO of Capital A, formerly known as AirAsia Group Bhd – received RM14,947,213 in addition to RM124,781 in allowances for meetings, travel and other matters.Kamarudin, the executive chairman of Capital A, meanwhile received RM14,051,429.This marked a sharp increase from the RM4.8 million they had received in FY2020.In April 2020, Fernandes was reported as saying that he and Kamarudin would not receive a salary while AirAsia employees agreed to take a paycut of up to 75% due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the company’s financial performance.In FY2021, Capital A recorded a drop in net loss, to RM3.11 billion from RM5.11 billion recorded the year before.It earned RM1.73 billion in revenue, down from RM3.27 billion posted for FY2020.AirAsia Group Bhd was rebranded as Capital A in January, as part of efforts to transform the company into an investment holding company with a portfolio of lifestyle and travel businesses instead of merely an airline.Checks of Capital A’s quarterly financial performance for FY2021 show that the company recorded a net loss of RM767.42 million in the first quarter (Q1) ended March 31, 2021, followed by a net loss of RM580.06 million in Q2 ended June 30, 2021.It continued to face pressure in Q3 and Q4, with net losses of RM887 million and RM884.09 million respectively.Meanwhile, passengers who had purchased tickets from AirAsia X Bhd, its long-haul airline, continued to call for refunds for their cancelled flights.Local and international travellers alike have been urging the management, including Fernandes, to return their money for flights scrapped as far back as two years ago.Many have voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of refunds so far, warning that they are ready to boycott the airline if they do not receive their money back.


Taiwan farmers find space for solar to meet renewable energy targets

At a row of greenhouses around 50km from Taiwan's capital Taipei, vanilla farmer Tseng Tien-fu is installing dozens of solar panels, part of the island's plan to meet its renewable energy goals without sacrificing scarce farmland.
Tseng, who exports most of his crop to Japan, is expanding his business to meet demand from elsewhere and government payments for solar energy will reduce any risk to his livelihood while he waits for the slow maturing plants to develop.
The use of "distributed" solar - panels installed on walls and rooftops - has become increasingly popular in regions where land is at a premium. Taiwan provides generous subsidies for rooftop panels, and the government is also obliged to buy the surplus electricity they produce, providing Tseng's greenhouses with a vital new earning opportunity.
"It takes a long time to grow vanilla before there are any crops, but we can sell (electricity) from solar panels to the government for 20 years as soon as they are installed and have an income from that," he said.
"So especially for plants like vanilla that take three years before there are any crops, I think (solar panels) are a very good combination."
Tseng's shift to solar is part of a wider attempt to solve one of the biggest challenges facing Taiwan as it strives to meet its renewable energy targets.
Agricultural land accounts for about a fifth of the densely populated island's total area, and there is little room for sprawling wind and solar farms, which take up significantly more space than conventional energy sources.
Land shortages are one of the biggest obstacles to renewable energy development, which is estimated to require around 10 times more land per unit of power than conventional power sources.
As they try to decarbonise their energy systems, governments across the world have been trying to figure out how to minimise disruptions, avoid conflicts with farmers and prevent further agricultural and biodiversity losses.
In the US, dozens of wind and solar projects have been blocked amid concerns about the occupation of farmland, and developers in China – the world's biggest renewable energy market - are now being encouraged to make use of depleted mines, mountain slopes and deserts.
Taiwan failed to meet its interim solar capacity target of 11.25GW this year and has little room for manoeuvre as it tries to raise solar capacity to 20GW by 2025.
"There are not a lot of large-scale (solar energy installations): Taiwan has no desert and Taiwan's land use is very intensive," said Juang Lao-Dar, the Director of Planning at the Taiwan Executive Yuan Council of Agriculture.
"So when we develop green energy, from the country's perspective, we have to look at solar panels that have a smaller impact on production, and it's the same for the agricultural sector."


Start of school year to revert to January in 2026

The education ministry today said that the start of the academic calendar would revert to January in 2026, with efforts to bring this forward to February for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry was planning a return to the original January starting point, as had been the case before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said this was to ensure that the teaching and learning process could be conducted in an optimum manner, especially during the 36-week learning period to complete the entire curriculum throughout the year.
She said the ministry was also bringing the public examination schedule in line with the change in the academic calendar following the country's transition to the endemic phase.
"The calls for the academic year to begin in January will be met in 2026.
"The education ministry hopes that with this announcement, the financial and economic aspects can be planned by all related parties," she said during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
The education ministry had previously assured that the school year would revert to beginning in January, adding however this would take time to implement.
The start of the school calendar was changed from January to March in 2022, after the government announced that the 2021 school session would be extended to February the next year following disruptions caused by the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns.


Sorry.


Daily caseload dips below 1,600 as 3 more deaths logged

Another 1,572 Covid-19 cases were recorded yesterday, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 4,817,251.
There were 2,695 recoveries, taking total recoveries to 4,754,911.
There are now 26,032 active cases, of which 24,797 or 95.3% are undergoing home quarantine.
Meanwhile, four (0.0%) are at quarantine centres while 1,171 (4.5%) have been hospitalised.
A total of 60 are in ICU with 37 in need of respiratory assistance. ICU utilisation throughout the country stands at 61.2%, with Covid ICU utilisation at 16.3%.
Another three deaths were reported, including two who were brought in dead. Total deaths now stand at 36,308.


4 arrested over Sungai Selangor pollution

Police have arrested four individuals, including two directors of a road construction company, in connection with the raw water pollution in Sungai Selangor which caused an unscheduled disruption in water supply in several areas in the Klang Valley yesterday afternoon.All four have been remanded for seven days from today.The remand order against the four suspects, aged 33 to 44, was issued by magistrate Nur Hafizah Rajuni at the Selayang Magistrate’s Court following an application by the police.The two company directors are a 40-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man, while the other two, both men, include a Bangladeshi national.They are being investigated under Section 430 of the Penal Code for committing mischief causing a diminution of water supply for human and animal consumption, which provides for imprisonment for up to 30 years, a fine, or both, upon conviction.Selangor Criminal Investigation Department head Fadzil Ahmat, in a statement today, said the suspects were arrested in the Klang Valley area between midnight and early this morning.


Bollywood stars questioned over drug use and suicide of actor

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has been questioned by police in an investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.The 34-year-old was questioned on Saturday by the Indian Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Special Investigation Team.They want answers concerning WhatsApp chats between Padukone and her managers which suggested that marijuana was bought for consumption, reports the London Metro.Padukone is one of India’s highest paid actresses and has won Filmfare Awards for leading roles in Piku, Om Shanti Om and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.The NCB is pursuing two investigations in relation to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, an Indian actor best known for his work in Hindi films who apparently hanged himself at his Mumbai home in June aged 34.Following Rajput’s death, the actor’s family registered a police complaint against his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, accusing her of abetting his suicide by providing him with drugs that exacerbated his mental health issues.Chakraborty has been arrested for allegedly organising and financing Rajput’s consumption of cannabis.According to a report in The News International of Pakistan, Sara Ali Khan and Shraddha Kapoor also appeared before the NCB on Saturday and told them that Sushant Singh Rajput used to consume drugs in his vanity van, a large trailer for Bollywood actors and actresses to relax in while filming.Officials are also investigating claims of widespread drug use in Bollywood.Everyone questioned has denied using drugs.


New cases drop to 4,214, deaths increase by 10

Another 4,214 Covid-19 cases were recorded today, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 219,173.Selangor recorded 1,362 cases of which 967 or 71% were from clusters and close contact screening.This was followed by Johor (1,068), Kuala Lumpur (702) and Sabah (276).Perak recorded 193 cases, Penang 119, Sarawak 105, Negeri Sembilan 91, Melaka 85, Kelantan 57, Pahang 54, Kedah 47, Terengganu 38, Putrajaya 10 and Labuan seven.Active cases stand at 48,074 with 316 in the ICU and 137 in need of respiratory assistance.Fourteen new clusters were detected:1. Tapak Bina Jalan Lagoon (Petaling in Selangor; 880 screened, 76 positive)2. Industri Puchong (Petaling in Selangor; 200 screened, 44 positive)3. Sungai Purun (Hulu Langat and Petaling in Selangor; 44 screened, 27 positive)4. Kampung Parit Masjid (Muar in Johor; 183 screened, 44 positive)5. Tapak Bina Jalan Puchong (Lembah Pantai in Kuala Lumpur; 553 screened, 332 positive)6. Jalan Empat (Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur; 89 screened, 29 positive)7. Jalan Tan (Lembah Pantai in Kuala Lumpur; 31 screened, 17 positive)8. Ladang Sungai Pin (Kinabatangan in Sabah; 36 screened, all positive)9. Kampung Samin (Sipitang, Kota Belud and Tuaran in Sabah; 121 screened, 33 positive)10. Padas Damit (Beaufort in Sabah; 160 screened, 32 positive)11. Persiaran Raya (Manjung in Perak; 95 screened, 18 positive)12. Lapangan Siber (Kinta in Perak; 50 screened, 21 positive)13. Bintang Daily (Meradong in Sarawak; 46 screened, eight positive)14. Nilam Tiga (Seremban in Negeri Sembilan; 237 screened, 63 positive)Another five ended, leaving 401 active clusters across the country.Another 4,280 patients were discharged, bringing total recoveries to 170,329.However, 10 more deaths were reported, pushing the virus toll to 770.


Instagram makes new under-16s’ accounts private by default to protect children from abusers

Instagram has made new under-16s’ accounts private by default so only approved followers can see posts and “like” or comment.Tests showed only one in five users opted to select a public account when the private setting was the default on signing up, it said.Instagram will also send existing account holders a notification “highlighting the benefits” of making their account private.Despite a backlash from some groups, Instagram say it is also pushing ahead with new apps specifically for under-13s.Parent company Facebook said, “The reality is that they are already online and, with no foolproof way to stop people from misrepresenting their age, we want to build experiences designed specifically for them, managed by parents and guardians.”It is also developing artificial-intelligence systems to find and remove under-age accounts.Government pressure and legislation in several countries now puts the onus on the technology giants to ensure sufficient safeguards to prevent children accessing potentially harmful content.Instagram has also come under fire from children’s charities for failing to remove harmful content.It has also been investigated for its use of children’s data in Europe. In response, it has developed a range of child-protection measures.In March, it announced older users would only be able to message teenagers who already followed them.But the system relies on the age provided by the user and listed in the account – something younger users may lie about to avoid such restrictions.Instagram said its latest updates were about “striking the right balance”.“Historically, we asked young people to choose between a public account or a private account when they signed up for Instagram but our recent research showed that they appreciate a more private experience.”The company has also developed a tool that automatically detects potentially suspicious adult accounts and stops those accounts from interacting with teens’ accounts on the app.An adult’s account might be marked as suspicious if it has been blocked or reported by multiple teen accounts, said Instagram’s head of public policy, Karina Newton.Once they are flagged, adults won’t be shown teen accounts in discovery tools. They also won’t be able to follow young people’s accounts, leave comments on their posts or see comments from teens on other people’s accounts.“We are creating an additional buffer around young people,” said Newton, noting that the company had already restricted adults from sending direct messages to users under 18 who didn’t follow them.Meanwhile, “a more precautionary approach” will see advertisers able to target children based on only age, gender, and location, rather than interests and web-browsing habits.And while defending targeted ads in general and the opt-out features it has for some types, Instagram said: “We have heard from youth advocates that young people may not be well equipped to make these decisions.”


Govt to draft National Recovery Plan 2.0

An inclusive National Recovery Plan 2.0 will be drafted to ensure a comprehensive recovery for the nation, says National Recovery Council (MPN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin.He said a team would be formed to conduct an in-depth study on sectors that can make a quick recovery and those that would take a longer time.Muhyiddin said the team would also submit proposals and streamline measures to deal with the Covid-19 situation if there is a surge in cases as the government had promised not to go back to the old ways of handling it by imposing lockdowns.“This plan is important because if we let these sectors recover naturally, it will take years.“It will also clearly outline what MPN can do to help these sectors recover,” he told a press conference after chairing an MPN meeting yesterday.


Over 9,000 evacuees still at flood relief centres

More than 9,000 evacuees remained at relief centres (PPS) at five flood-hit states as of noon today, with Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan reporting a drop in numbers.In Melaka and Kelantan, meanwhile, no change was reported.In Sabah, continuous rain since yesterday caused flash floods in several areas in Sipitang this morning.In Selangor, meanwhile, Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said on Twitter that 2,218 victims were at 17 PPS in the state as of 8am today, from 2,387 people at 19 PPS last night.Several stretches of road in the state are still affected by the floods, including FT 31 Dengkil-Banting Bridge; Jalan Kg Kalong Tengah; Ulu Yam Baru and Jalan Genting Peras-Kuala Klawang and Jalan Kuala Kubu Bharu-Bukit Fraser heading to Peretak, as well as Jalan PJU 7, in front of MRT Mutiara Damansara and Jalan BRP 7/2 Bukit Rahman Putra, and the road leading to Lapang Sasar, Subang.In Pahang, updates on the Welfare Department’s Info Bencana application showed that 7,201 flood victims were still at 60 PPS, from 7,730 people at 71 PPS this morning, with Temerloh recording the highest number of flood victims followed by Pekan, Bentong, Maran, Kuantan and Bera.According to the state disaster management secretariat, 10 roads are still closed including Jalan Kuantan-Segamat in Pekan, Jalan Kuala Lipis-Jerantut (Jerantut), Jalan Bentong-Gua Musang (Lipis), Jalan Sungai Lembing (Kuantan) and Jalan Temerloh-Jerantut (Temerloh).In Negeri Sembilan, 36 people from 12 families were still at two PPS, compared to 43 people from 14 families this morning.In Kelantan, the number of flood evacuees remained at 54 people from 15 families at the PPS at SK Tok Deh in Pasir Mas.According to the Drainage and Irrigation Department’s flood portal, the water level of all major rivers in the state is below the danger level.In Melaka, the number of evacuees remained unchanged with 26 people from eight families at the SK Penghulu Benteng PPS in Jasin.In Sabah, state fire and rescue department assistant director Sabah Misran Bisara said a family of seven people from Kampung Pantai, Sindumun in Sipitang were rescued after being trapped in thire house.“The department received a call at 5.55am, following which a rescue team was sent to the scene. However, the flood water is receding and hopefully the fine weather will continue until evening,” he said when contacted by Bernama.


Sydney Covid-19 cases fall as curbs ease in virus hotspots

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state on Monday reported its lowest rise in daily Covid-19 cases in more than three weeks as some lockdown restrictions were eased in Sydney, the state capital, amid higher vaccination levels.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 935 new cases had been detected in the state, the lowest daily tally since Aug 27, and down from 1,083 on Sunday. The state reported four more deaths.“We’re feeling more positive than we have in a couple of weeks… but I don’t want any of us to sit back and think the worst is behind us,” Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney, warning of more deaths in the days ahead.“Because we have seen the accumulation of so many cases, we know that October is going to be very challenging for our hospital system.”Nearly half of Australia’s 25 million people is in lockdown after the Delta variant spread rapidly in Sydney and Melbourne, its largest cities, forcing officials there to abandon a Covid-zero target and shift to rapid vaccinations to ease curbs.As the vaccine rollout gathers speed, with 53% of NSW’s adult population fully vaccinated, some restrictions were relaxed on Monday in 12 of the worst-hit suburbs in Sydney’s west. Time limits for outdoor exercise were lifted, while fully vaccinated people can gather outside in groups of five.Neighbouring Victoria state, which includes Melbourne, logged one new death and 567 new infections, its biggest daily rise this year, a day after revealing its roadmap back to freedom when vaccinations reach 70%, expected around Oct 26.So far, 44% of people in the state have been fully vaccinated, below the national average of 47%.Meanwhile, several workers protested outside a union office in Melbourne against Victoria’s mandatory vaccination rule in the construction sector, local media reported.The New Zealand Breakers basketball team, which play in Australia’s National Basketball League, released guard Tai Webster on Monday after he decided not to be vaccinated against Covid-19.Australia has largely lived in Covid-zero for much of the pandemic, recording 1,167 deaths and some 87,000 cases. About 56,000 cases have been registered since mid-June when the first Delta infection was detected in Sydney.While NSW and Victoria bear the brunt of the Delta outbreak, most other states with little or no community transmission fear opening up too soon could overwhelm their hospital systems.


South Australia to end lockdown early after pizza parlour blunder

South Australia’s six-day “circuit-breaker” lockdown will be cut short, officials said Friday, blaming a pizza chef who misled contact tracers about how he contracted the virus.Premier Steven Marshall indicated a tough lockdown for the state’s almost two million people would end late on Saturday, at least two days earlier than planned.Marshall said a man who claimed he was a customer at a pizza parlour hotspot – leading authorities to believe the strain was virulent enough to be transmitted via a takeaway box – in fact worked there.“One of the close contacts linked to the Woodville pizza bar deliberately misled our contact-tracing team,” said Marshall. “Their story didn’t add up. We pursued them. We now know that they lied.”It is unlikely the man will face charges, police said. “The Emergency Management Act requires people to provide information on request,” said police commissioner Grant Stevens. “There is no penalty for failing to truthfully answer those questions.”Red-faced authorities stressed the costly lockdown had still been necessary – and that pizza parlour customers should still come forward for testing.On Wednesday, they ordered schools, shops, pubs, factories and even takeaway restaurants to close and stay-at-home orders were issued for residents across the state.Since then, tens of thousands of tests have shown no new community transmission and the cluster totals only 25 cases, leading to accusations that authorities overreacted.People in Adelaide and the rest of the state will be able to leave their homes immediately to exercise, and most other restrictions will be eased late on Saturday.


Indonesia’s batik-makers turn to mangroves as demand grows for eco-dyes

In a quiet mangrove forest in central Indonesia, a man moves gingerly across vegetation distinguished by its big, wooden stilt roots, searching for fallen mangrove fruits that rest on leaves or float on the water.Gathering a handful of what looks like string beans, the man, a batik craftsman, heads home to make natural dye from them.For the past four years, Sodikin, 48, and his group of batik makers have shifted from using chemical materials for colouring to mangrove-based products, cutting costs and helping the environment.“We use natural materials so as to preserve the mangrove forest at the same time,” Sodikin, who uses only one name, told Reuters as he processed dried fruits before boiling them to extract colour. “We do not cut down the trees and we only take fruits or leaves that have fallen.”Batik is a traditional Indonesian dying used in patterns and drawings, typically on fabric and finished textiles.Mangroves play an important role for Indonesia’s natural environment, serving as barriers against tsunamis and providing important ecosystems for fish and crabs. They are also a more effective absorber of carbon dioxide emissions compared with rainforests or peatlands.Despite being duller than synthetic dyes, natural dyes are more environmentally sustainable and have a greater market value because of their quality and durability, according to Erwin Ardli, a mangrove ecologist at Jenderal Soedirman University in Indonesia.“We’ve seen the interest for natural dyes increasing, and especially for middle- to upper-class people, they seem to be proud to wear clothes using these natural dyes rather than synthetic dyes,” he said.Batik gallery owner Iiting Budiarti agreed, saying items with natural dyes can fetch double or triple the synthetic ones.


Daily caseload drops to 2,400 as 5 more deaths logged

Another 2,417 Covid-19 cases were recorded yesterday, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 4,598,391.
There were 2,536 recoveries, taking total recoveries to 4,526,817.
There are now 35,758 active cases, of which 34,526 or 96.6% are undergoing home quarantine.
Meanwhile, 20 (0.1%) are at quarantine centres while 1,164 (3.3%) have been hospitalised.
A total of 48 are in ICU with 25 in need of respiratory assistance. ICU utilisation throughout the country stands at 61.5%, with Covid ICU utilisation at 11.7%.
Another five deaths were reported, including two who were brought in dead. Total deaths now stand at 35,816.


Cucuk my what?? Yes, you read it right

At first glance, a new hashtag on the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine appears innocent enough.But #CucukMyAZ, which has been trending since the voluntary programme began on May 5, has been garnering laughs and raising eyebrows alike as it makes its way through the digital world.Twitter user Rin, who coined it, said the hashtag was created “to make it easy for people to search for info on the Malaysian rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine”.“No huge thought went into it,” she said in a series of tweets explaining its origin. “My first thought was just MYAZ but I was worried that would be too generic.“Then I thought of SuntikAZMY but that didn’t cut it either. Then came CucukAZMY, which still didn’t sound right, so it got flipped to #CucukMYAZ.”The hashtag has been going viral ever since as more and more users in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor share their experience of receiving the AstraZeneca jab, and is even being used by the health ministry in its official social media posts.Dr Jemilah Mahmood’s Twitter post on the #CucukMyAZ hashtag.It was also singled out by Dr Jemilah Mahmood, the prime minister’s special adviser on public health, who asked who had created it in a post accompanied by a line of laughing/crying emoji.Rin said she never expected the hashtag to make such a big splash.“At most I thought 10 mutuals would use it,” she said. “But today, #CucukMYAZ got used so much it was a trending hashtag and even got used by some media outlets/people and KKM.“I thought that was cool because anything that promotes vaccine confidence is great,” she added.Vaccine confidence in the AstraZeneca jab, especially, has been a question mark in the country as the second phase of the national immunisation programme continues for senior citizens and those in the high-risk group.The AstraZeneca vaccine was originally meant to be part of the mainstream programme but was made a separate, opt-in affair following public anxiety over small numbers of recipients in other countries who had developed blood clots after receiving the jab, some of whom later died.Khairy Jamaluddin, the minister in charge of the vaccination programme, said 8,000 people who had initially registered for vaccination through the MySejahtera app had cancelled their registrations after the government’s announcement that the AstraZeneca jab would be included in the portfolio of vaccines.He said the majority of these re-registered once the vaccine was made optional.Rin voiced hope that the use of the #CucukMyAZ hashtag could help support efforts to reach herd immunity. She also said she was grateful that people were using it to describe their vaccination experience.“#CucukMYAZ showed that the AstraZeneca option can give us a chance at reaching herd immunity faster.“It showed that many people want to get vaccinated and that people who are on the fence can change their minds if we just show them that it’s not scary.“I’m very glad that today went well for those who got #CucukMYAZ, and I’m grateful to those who took the time to document their journey for others to see,” she said.“I hope that when the slots open up for other states the reactions will be just as positive.”


Najib files MACC report against ex-Goldman manager over 1MDB matters

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed receiving a report from former Prime Minister Najib Razak against the former senior manager of Goldman Sachs, Tim Leissner, over 1MDB issues.In a statement, MACC said it will scrutinise the report and carry out a proper investigation into every aspect before further action is taken.Najib lodged the report at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday, demanding the authority to take appropriate action including questioning and extraditing Leissner over the 1MDB issues.


Thai king should not rule his country from here, says Germany’s foreign minister

Germany’s foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday that Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn should not be conducting politics from Germany, where he spends much of his time, Reuters is reporting.King Vajiralongkorn, 68, has ruled Thailand since 2016, but spends most of his time in Bavaria, where his 15-year-old son goes to school.Thai protesters regularly demonstrate on the streets of Bangkok about his prolonged absences from Thailand and the cost of his life in Germany.“We have made it clear that politics concerning Thailand should not be conducted from German soil,” Maas told parliament. “If there are guests in our country that conduct their state business from here we would always want to act to counteract that.”Parliamentarian Frithjof Schmidt then asked Maas whether Germany was prepared to discuss with the European Union freezing free trade talks with Thailand again “as long as the junta continues to block the path to democracy in Thailand”.Maas said that halting negotiations was an option to exert pressure, but it would be right to discuss the matter with Thailand first.King Vajiralongkorn was educated in Britain and Australia, and has been married four times. Because of Thailand’s strict laws concerning the royal family, very little of substance is known about him. His relationship with Germany remains the source of much speculation and criticism.Right now the monarchy is facing unprecedented calls for reform from growing numbers of protesters in Thailand.Reuters asked for comment from the royal palace in Bangkok and the Thai government but neither has yet responded.


Singapore tops list of costliest cities for goods, services aimed at the wealthy

Singapore for the first time became the most expensive city for goods and services for wealthy people, overtaking Hong Kong, London and New York, according to a report on Tuesday.
Cars and essential health insurance in Singapore are 133% and 109% more expensive than the global average, among 12 consumer goods and eight services that reflect the spending patterns of high-net-worth individuals, according to Julius Baer's Global Wealth and Lifestyle report this year.
The politically stable and tax-friendly city-state was one of the first Asian cities to significantly ease pandemic restrictions, and has started to see an influx of wealth.
Demand for accommodation is high, school places are at a premium, and the general cost of living for everyone is high in Singapore, the report added.
Shanghai, in first place last year, fell to second. Possible factors include longer pandemic restrictions than in other cities, the report said. Hong Kong was ranked third.
Johannesburg was at the bottom of the list, which covered 25 cities across the world.


Indian police start criminal conspiracy probe into Greta Thunberg’s accidental re-tweet

Climate activist Greta Thunberg accidentally shared a message she received on Twitter about the ongoing farmers’ revolt in India, sparking a police investigation and a political firestorm, according to reports.Tens of thousands of farmers have been camped out at the Indian capital’s fringes to protest new agricultural laws they say will leave them poorer and at the mercy of corporations. The drama has gripped India for more than two months.The 18-year-old eco-activist quickly deleted the message that gave her tips on what to post, and asked her to tag other celebrities about the protests, including pop star Rihanna.Times Now claims the original message was created by the Poetic Justice Foundation, a Canadian group whose website confirms it is “most actively involved in the #FarmersProtest”.The group shared to Facebook a series of screenshots of posts it appears to have persuaded international celebrities to share, Indian news agency ANI said.India’s foreign ministry issued a rare statement accusing “foreign individuals” and celebrities of “sensationalism” and “trying to enforce their agenda”.Delhi police on Thursday confirmed that it had launched a criminal case against the creators of the original message that Thunberg shared. “The call was to wage economic, social, cultural and regional war against India,” the police said.One Indian minister, VK Singh, said that Thunberg’s deleted tweet “revealed the real designs of a conspiracy at an international level against India”.A series of high-profile Indian celebrities also joined the attack on foreign celebrities getting involved in the farmers’ revolt.Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut even called the protesting farmers “terrorists” and Rihanna a “fool” for her widely shared tweet that asked her 100 million Twitter followers, “Why aren’t we talking about this?!”Thunberg remained defiant Thursday. “I still #StandWithFarmers and support their peaceful protest,” she tweeted Thursday morning.“No amount of hate, threats or violations of human rights will ever change that.”


New cases dip but still over 17,000

Another 17,150 Covid-19 cases were recorded today, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 1,130,422.Selangor recorded 6,326 cases, Kuala Lumpur 2,086, Kedah 1,511, Johor 1,045 and Sabah 1,002.Negeri Sembilan recorded 809 cases, Perak 693, Melaka 686, Penang 752, Pahang 676, Sarawak 578, Kelantan 459 and Terengganu 429.Putrajaya recorded 72 cases, Perlis 21 and Labuan five.Active cases stand at 195,273 with 1,059 in the ICU and 531 in need of respiratory assistance.Another 11,326 patients were discharged, bringing total recoveries to 925,965.However, 160 more deaths were reported, pushing the virus toll to 9,184.


Sorry.


A380 resumes service but future still cloudy for super-jumbo

Passengers loved the world’s biggest airliner, the two-storey Airbus A380, and couldn’t wait to fly on it.But it turned into something of an airborne white elephant, and Airbus will stop making it in 2021.Then Covid-19 trashed commercial aviation this year and the entire Emirates fleet of 115 A380s was grounded as passenger numbers plummeted.Now, the world’s biggest international airline has resumed flying the iconic airplane.Emirates, which carries more international passengers than any other airline, restarted Airbus A380 service in July with a flight from its Emirates base in Dubai to London Heathrow and Paris Charles De Gaulle.Emirates president Tim Clark is sounding optimistic about getting all 115 back into the skies.Unfortunately, the Emirates A380 onboard experience, which has been the giant airplane’s calling card since it entered commercial service in 2007, has also been seriously affected by coronavirus. The showers and the bar are closed for now, and the luxury service and lavish meals have turned into something less memorable.Nevertheless, passengers will be pleased to have the chance to fly on the huge but graceful jet, when international borders reopen.Yet, the future of the Airbus super-jumbo is still up in the air.Regardless of what Emirates has done with it this summer, it remains too large an aircraft for most routes.Air France has already decided to axe all of its A380s and Lufthansa of Germany has said it will not resume flying it before 2022 if ever.And right now, although passengers would love to get on board and fly somewhere exotic, they simply can’t.


China ‘won’t hesitate to start war’ over Taiwan, Beijing tells US

Beijing will “not hesitate to start a war” if Taiwan declares independence, China’s defence minister warned his US counterpart Friday, the latest salvo between the superpowers over the island.The warning from Wei Fenghe came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.Beijing views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to one day seize the island, by force if necessary, and US-China tensions over the issue have soared in recent months.Wei warned Austin that “if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost”, defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian quoted the minister as saying during the meeting.The Chinese minister vowed that Beijing would “smash to smithereens any ‘Taiwan independence’ plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland”, according to the Chinese defence ministry.He “stressed that Taiwan is China’s Taiwan… Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail”, the ministry said.Austin “reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan”, according to the US Department of Defense.Tensions over Taiwan have escalated in particular due to increasing Chinese aircraft incursions into the island’s air defence identification zone.US President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China.The White House has since insisted its policy of “strategic ambiguity” over whether or not it would intervene has not changed.Japan PM issues warningWith concerns mounting over China-Taiwan tensions, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida issued a stark warning at the summit: “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow.”The world must be “prepared for the emergence of an entity that tramples on the peace and security of other countries by force or threat without honouring the rules,” he said.He did not mention China by name in his address, but repeatedly called for the “rules-based international order” to be upheld.Austin is the latest senior US official to visit Asia as Washington seeks to shift its foreign policy focus back to the region from the Ukraine war.As well as on Taiwan, China and the US have been locked in a range of other disputes.They have been at loggerheads over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Washington accusing Beijing of providing tacit support for Moscow.China has called for talks to end the war, but has stopped short of condemning Russia’s actions and has repeatedly criticised American arms donations to Ukraine.China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea have also stoked tensions with Washington.Beijing claims almost all of the resource-rich sea, through which trillions of dollars in shipping trade passes annually, with competing claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.Austin arrived in Singapore late Thursday, and held a series of meetings with his counterparts on Friday.At a meeting with Southeast Asian defence ministers, he spoke about Washington’s “strategy in maintaining an open, inclusive and rules-based regional security environment”, according to a statement from the Singapore government.His comments were a veiled reference to countering China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.Austin will deliver a speech at the forum on Saturday, followed by Wei on Sunday. The summit runs from June 10 to 12 and is taking place for the first time since 2019 after twice being postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.


North Korea Covid outbreak likely ‘getting worse’, says WHO

The World Health Organization lamented Wednesday that it had no access to data about North Korea’s Covid-19 outbreak, but assumed the crisis was deepening, contrary to Pyongyang’s reports of “progress”.North Korea, which announced its first ever coronavirus cases on May 12, said last week its Covid outbreak had been brought under control, with state media reporting falling caseloads.But WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan questioned that claim.“We assume that situation is getting worse not better,” he told reporters, acknowledging though that the secretive totalitarian state had provided only very limited information.“Right now we are not in a position to make an adequate risk assessment of the situation on the ground,” he said, pointing out that “it is very, very difficult to provide a proper analysis to the world when we don’t have access to the necessary data.”Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s lead on Covid-19, meanwhile said the country had registered more than three million suspected Covid cases, although the official accounts only mention cases of “fever”.The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported early Thursday some 96,600 “fevered cases” in 24 hours, for a total of 3.8 million cases since late April. No new deaths were announced, with 69 fatalities as of late last week.It was the third consecutive daily tally of less than 100,000, down from a high of 390,000 daily cases in mid-May, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.Despite having one of the worst health systems in the world, KCNA reported Thursday that more than 95% of cases had recovered.“There are many recoveries that have been reported, but there’s limited information that we have from the country currently,” Van Kerkhove said.North Korea has also rejected jabs offered by the WHO and not vaccinated any of its roughly 25 million people.Ryan stressed the importance of reining in the outbreak in the impoverished country.“We have offered assistance on multiple occasions. We have offered vaccines on three separate occasions. We continue to offer,” he said.He said the UN health agency was working with China and South Korea in a bid to get aid in, hailing “a very positive attitude towards trying to deal with this collective problem.”WHO has repeatedly cautioned against allowing the virus that causes Covid-19 to spread unchecked, among other things since it then is more likely to mutate and produce new, potentially more dangerous variants.“We do not wish to see intense transmission of this disease in a mainly susceptible population, in a health system that has already weakened,” Ryan said.“This is not this is not good for the people of (North Korea). This is not good for the region. This is not good for the world.”


Russia reports record virus deaths second day in a row

Russia on Friday recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll for a second day running, as a third wave of infections persists despite efforts from authorities to boost vaccinations.A government tally showed 815 fatalities over the past 24 hours and 22,277 new cases.Russia, the fourth worst-hit country in the world in terms of cases, has since mid-June been hit by a new wave of infections driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant.The new figures bring Russia’s total fatalities from Covid-19 to 168,864 – the highest toll in Europe.This figure, however, only takes into account deaths where the virus was established as the primary cause of death after an autopsy.Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat said that Russia has seen more than 300,000 fatalities as of the end of June.Authorities have faced a vaccine-sceptic population, with a poll by the independent Levada Centre this week showing that 55% of Russians do not plan on getting inoculated.Moscow, the epicentre of Russia’s outbreak, and a host of regions have introduced mandatory vaccination measures to speed up the country’s inoculation drive, and President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly called on Russians to get vaccinated.While Russia has three homegrown vaccines available to the population, it does not distribute any of the Western-made jabs.But as of Friday, just over 30 million of Russia’s some 146 million people had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions.Moscow on Friday proceeded with lifting virus restrictions with Mayor Sergei Sobyanin cancelling the obligation for employers to keep at least 30% of employees working from home.Sobyanin said on his website that the pandemic “continues to retreat” and the number of new hospitalisations in the capital has more than halved when compared to mid-June.In total, Russia has so far registered 6,557,068 cases.


Aircraft parts on Queensland beach briefly revive hopes of finding MH370

Aircraft parts recently washed up on a remote Australian beach, raising hopes the debris could be from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 with 239 people aboard.Mike Elcoate, a fisherman who spotted the wreckage on Monday near Cape Tribulation in northern Queensland, said he initially thought the parts came from a boat’s rudder or possibly a plane’s trim tab, the Mirror reported.But he then discovered a wing-link structure nearby and posted his findings online in an aircraft maintenance engineering Facebook group.He said many people contacted him about the possibility that the pieces came from the doomed Boeing 777, which disappeared shortly after taking off for Beijing from Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014.Oceanic searches centred on the southern Indian Ocean carried out by Australian and American teams failed to find any sign of the plane on the seabed. They were called off in 2017.Aircraft debris found on the shore of Mozambique in 2016 matches some theories about where the wreckage from the plane could have ended up. Authorities have predicted that plane debris would eventually drift on currents to the east coast of Africa.Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has claimed that the “very top levels” of the Malaysian government believed that the captain of MH370 deliberately plunged the aircraft into the ocean in a mass murder-suicide.Despite the discovery on the Queensland beach this week, aviation researcher Mick Gilbert told The Australian that “the part shows nowhere near enough weathering, has relatively sparse barnacle growth and is almost certainly the wrong colour”.He added: “If it is indeed an aircraft component it is more likely to be a piece of Air Niugini flight 73 that landed short of the runway at Chuuk International airport in Micronesia in September 2018.”


FT minister fined RM2,000 for lunch with former PM

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa has been fined RM2,000 for violating Covid-19 SOPs by visiting former prime minister Abdullah Badawi at his home on Saturday.Annuar had taken to social media with a tweet about the visit, saying he and his wife had visited Abdullah at his home in Kuala Lumpur.“We spent more than two hours together and ate lunch cooked by Tun Jeane,” he said, referring to Abdullah’s wife Jeanne Abdullah.“May Allah SWT always bless Pak Lah and his whole family.”The post, which sparked a strong backlash, was later deleted.Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Zainal Abdullah told The Star that Annuar had violated SOPs by visiting Abdullah.“I confirm that he (Annuar) has been issued with a RM2,000 compound notice,” Zainal was quoted as saying.Annuar’s office meanwhile confirmed receipt of the compound notice.“He has received the compound from the police and will settle it as soon as possible,” it said in a statement.


Brazil president fined for maskless motorcycle rally

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was fined US$100 Saturday for violating Covid-19 containment measures in Sao Paulo state by failing to wear a face mask and provoking huge crowds at a motorcycle rally for supporters.Thousands of roaring motorcycles took part in the “Accelerate for Christ” rally in Sao Paulo, led by the far-right president, who wore an open-faced helmet and no mask, in violation of state health regulations.Bolsonaro, who has been holding such rallies across Brazil as he gears up to seek re-election next year, defied a prior warning from Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, a political rival, who had said the president would be fined if he failed to observe state regulations.Bolsonaro has repeatedly clashed with Doria and other governors over measures against Covid-19, which has claimed nearly 485,000 lives in Brazil, second only to the US.The president regularly criticises stay-at-home measures and face masks, instead touting medications such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine despite studies showing they are ineffective against Covid-19.Addressing a giant crowd of flag-waving supporters, Bolsonaro renewed his comments against face masks, saying he planned to order mask requirements be lifted for people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19.“Anyone who’s against that doesn’t believe in science. There’s no way a vaccinated person can transmit the virus,” he said.There is little scientific consensus yet on whether vaccinated individuals risk spreading the coronavirus. Public health officials have generally urged them to continue wearing masks in risky situations.State officials said they had fined Bolsonaro, his congressman son, Eduardo, and Infrastructure Minister Tarcisio Gomes for failing to wear masks and observe social distancing measures at the rally.Each was fined 552.71 reais, or about US$108.The president’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Apple, Amazon, Nike, slammed for ‘enabling forced labour’ in China

A US senator on Thursday accused several giant American companies of turning a blind eye to allegations of forced labour in China.Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee investigation into Beijing’s crackdown on Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in its western Xinjiang region, Senator Marco Rubio said many US companies had not yet woken up to the fact that they were profiting from the Chinese government’s abuses.“For far too long companies like Nike, Apple, Amazon and Coca-Cola were benefiting from forced labour or sourcing from suppliers that were suspected of using forced labour,” Rubio said. “These companies, sadly, were making all of us complicit in these crimes.”Senator Ed Markey, who led the hearing, said a number of US technology companies had profited from the Chinese government’s “authoritarian surveillance industry”, and that many US products “are being used in Xinjiang right now” to monitor minorities.Thermo Fisher Scientific said in 2019 it would stop selling genetic sequencing equipment to Xinjiang after rights groups and media documented how authorities there were building a DNA database of Uighurs.However, critics say the move didn’t go far enough.“All evidence is that they continue to provide these products which enabled these human rights abuses,” Rubio said of Thermo Fisher, noting that he had written to the Massachusetts-based company repeatedly about the matter.US lawmakers are seeking to pass legislation that would ban imports of goods made in Xinjiang over concerns about forced labour.Rights groups say Beijing and Xinjiang authorities have facilitated forced labour by arbitrarily detaining around a million Uighurs and other primarily Muslim minorities in a network of camps since 2016.China denies abuses, saying the camps are for vocational training and to counter religious extremism.An Amazon spokesman said, “Whenever we receive proof of forced labour, we take action and suspend privileges to sell.”Coca-Cola declined to comment. The other companies mentioned did not respond immediately to Reuters’ questions.Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch, told the Senate panel that Beijing’s “extreme repression and surveillance” makes human rights oversight for international companies impossible.She said, “Inspectors cannot visit facilities unannounced, or speak to workers without fear of reprisal.”However she also said that some companies seem unwilling to seek out precise information about their own supply chains.


Bill on equal citizenship to continue if PN wins, says Hamzah

Perikatan Nasional (PN) will continue pushing for the bill to amend the Federal Constitution on citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian women, if given the mandate to form the federal government after the 15th general election (GE15).
PN secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the agenda, which he proposed himself, had been included in the PN manifesto for GE15.
"I have told everyone this issue, (previously) my hands were tied by existing laws under the constitution. It’s not that I don’t sympathise with the issue, I am sympathetic but I can’t do anything.
"That’s why I asked that PN include it as an agenda in the manifesto," he said at a media conference in Muar yesterday.
Hamzah, who is also home minister, was commenting on the similarity between the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto and the PN manifesto promising citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian women.
"I hope everyone, not just BN, but all coalitions, will follow what PN had announced earlier.
"This will show that this issue could have been resolved earlier if everyone had been with me," he said.


Amendments to Road Transport Act for public safety, says minister

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong today said the government’s move to amend the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) was to allow stern action to be taken against drink-drivers, not to violate the right of individuals to consumer alcohol.He also said the amendment was aimed at ensuring the safety of road users.“We do not want to violate people’s right. If they want to drink (alcohol), go ahead unless they are Muslims.“But after drinking, they should not be driving,” he said in response to Raj Munni Sabu on whether the government would proceed with amending the law at the Dewan Negara sitting today.While the number of deaths caused by drink-drivers was not high, Wee said it nevertheless affected society. He said the government needed to commit to proactive measures to overcome the problem.“It requires the government to take comprehensive action, not only through enforcement, but also education through advocacy. This is important to make the people understand why the government needs to take firm action,” he added.Wee also said the law empowered the government to take stern action not only against those caught driving under the influence of alcohol, but also those under the influence of drugs, as well as reckless drivers and “mat rempit” or illegal motorcycle or car racers.He said the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 22020 was scheduled to be tabled in the Dewan Negara in mid-September.The bill was passed by Parliament on Aug 26.


Questioned over Sosma memo, Suaram tells PM Anwar to remember his own rally history

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) today urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan-led government not to forget their experience at street rallies during their time in the opposition, describing an investigation against a group of activists who recently submitted a memorandum to the home minister as a waste of time and government funds.
Speaking to reporters outside the Dang Wangi police station in Kuala Lumpur, Suaram coordinator Wong Yan Ke said the six activists had gathered peacefully in front of Parliament on Dec 20 to hand over a memorandum to Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the memorandum was to plead for the release of Sosma detainees, and that the activists had been accompanied by Klang MP V Ganabatirau and DAP deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo.
"This is the first time since the new government was formed that we have been called to give our statements," he said.
"We would like to state that those in the government, especially the prime minister, have participated in many street rallies.
"Don't forget your history, the history of reformasi."
Wong was one of those called up for questioning, alongside Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy, Parti Sosialis Malaysia deputy chairman S Arutchelvan, Suaram coordinator Nik Azura Nik Nasron, deputy MIC Youth chief Andrew David, and Ranjith Kumar, a family member of a Sosma detainee.
Sevan said the police decision to call them for questioning was a waste of time and government resources given that the memorandum handover had been done in a peaceful manner.
He said the process was also witnessed by many police officers who could confirm that no disturbance was made.
"Many of the police who were there also recorded the entire handover, so there are police videos on record as well.
"Just refer to those videos. That would be enough. Why call us in for questioning and waste our time?" he added before entering the police station.
Arutchelvan meanwhile asked if the police would also call up the representative who had received the memorandum on Saifuddin's behalf.
"The home minister sent someone to accept our memorandum. Did he conspire in the submission of our memo?"


Daily cases dip to just over 3,100

Another 3,108 Covid-19 cases were recorded today, taking total confirmed infections in the country to 2,718,955.Another 3,701 patients recovered, bringing total recoveries to 2,634,381.Meanwhile 390 are in the ICU, including 326 confirmed Covid-19 patients.A total of 211 are in need of respiratory assistance including 143 confirmed Covid-19 cases.Of the 3,108 cases reported today, 57 (1.8%) are in Category Three and above. The remaining 3,501 (98.2%) are in Category One and Two.


‘Bossku’ will only help BN with rural votes, say analysts

While former prime minister Najib Razak may be regarded as popular by those within the Umno leadership, this will have no effect on urban seats as his admiration is largely centred among the rural population who are staunch supporters of Barisan Nasional (BN) anyway, analysts say.James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Umno has little interest in winning urban votes as it knows this would be a difficult task.“They know that the developed areas are mostly pro-opposition,” he told MalaysiaNow.“If Umno doesn’t win against DAP, it will probably lose to PKR.”This makes Najib an asset as well as a liability, Chin said, as the former prime minister has strong support from among the grassroots and rural voters but is tied to corruption issues such as 1MDB which make him unacceptable to those in urban areas.Oh Ei Sun from the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said Umno still has some leaders capable of bringing in the urban votes such as its deputy president Mohamad Hasan and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin.But he too agreed that Umno would focus its efforts on defending its vote base in rural areas.“Leaders like Tok Mat and Khairy might present a more positive image in developed areas, but it must be remembered that Umno has strong support in rural areas,” he said to MalaysiaNow.“Rural voters like the ‘Bossku’ image,” he added, referring to Najib’s tagline following his fall from power.“They also like the perception that was projected during Najib’s administration. So Umno wants to capitalise on this to continue bringing in as many votes as possible.”Chin meanwhile said that while Umno has many talents within its ranks, these have not been fully utilised due to the presence of older leaders.“For certain reasons, it is difficult for them to rise through the ranks because they are blocked by more senior leaders,” he said.Recently, Johor Umno said it was depending on Najib’s involvement in the 15th general election as the Pekan MP still appeared to have a strong influence.This came despite the Court of Appeal unanimously upholding Najib’s conviction and sentence for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power in relation to RM42 million in funds from SRC International.When asked if Umno was short on leaders as it still had to depend on Najib, Mujibu Abd Muis of UiTM said the party had several individuals who could lead but who were not on par with the former prime minister in terms of influence.“If someone is chosen to lead Umno but is unable to solve the party’s internal issues, it will be difficult for Umno to move ahead,” he said.“This is one of the advantages that they think only Najib has. Other leaders are not seen as being at the same level.”


Honda Malaysia recalls 700 vehicles as precautionary safety measure

Honda Malaysia is recalling the City Hybrid 2021 and Civic 2022 models as a precautionary safety measure.
In a statement today, it said 630 units of the City Hybrid 2021 are being recalled to replace the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera fitted in the front windscreen, as it may not operate properly and cause the system to be inactive while on the road.
"Meanwhile, 72 units of the Civic 2022 are involved in the measure to rectify the welding point at the slide adjuster in the driver seat.
"This may cause the driver’s seat to not be fixed in position when driving and may compromise the seatbelt protection for the driver," said Honda Malaysia.
It said that inspection, repair and replacement of the affected parts will be free of charge, with all costs related to the recall activity to be borne by Honda Malaysia.
As of today, the company said there had been no accidents or injuries caused by this issue reported in Malaysia.
"Honda Malaysia encourages customers to download and update their details via the HondaTouch mobile application for further verification. Customers will be informed via notification letters or they can contact any authorised Honda dealer.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to affected customers and would like to reassure that other current production and selling models are not affected," it said.
Vehicle owners can obtain information or check their vehicle status on the product recall by calling Honda Malaysia’s toll-gree number at 1-800-88-2020 or logging on to productrecall.honda.com.my.


Ukraine grain export deal extended for four months

An agreement allowing Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea and aimed at relieving global food insecurity has been extended for 120 days, officials said on Thursday.
Ukraine is a top world exporter of grain, but Russia's invasion in late February stopped shipments.
The deal between the two warring sides, brokered by Turkey and the UN in July, has helped transport more than 11 million tonnes of grain and other agricultural products from Ukrainian ports since the start of August. It had been due to expire on Saturday.
On Thursday Ukrainian and Turkish officials announced that the agreement would be extended by four months under existing conditions.
"#BlackSeaGrainInitiative will be prolonged for 120 days," Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said on Twitter, while a senior Turkish official confirmed to AFP that the deal had been extended "under current terms".
"I welcome the agreement by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement released by the Istanbul-based Joint Coordination Center (JCC) that has been overseeing the agreement.
'Discreet diplomacy'
The grain deal "continues to demonstrate the importance of discreet diplomacy in the context of finding multilateral solutions," he said.
The UN chief also sought to allay Moscow's concerns that a second agreement that was also signed in July, exempting Russian fertilisers from sanctions, had not been implemented.
"The United Nations is also fully committed to removing the remaining obstacles to exporting food and fertilisers from the Russian Federation," Guterres said.
Both agreements were  "essential to bring down the prices of food and fertiliser and avoid a global food crisis."
On Wednesday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – who has maintained good relations with both Moscow and Kyiv – predicted that the deal would remain in force.
"I am of the opinion that it (the deal) will continue. There's no problem there," he told journalists at the G20 summit in Indonesia.
"Because the path to peace passes through dialogue," he said.
The agreement allows Ukrainian grain ships to sail along safe corridors that avoid mines in the Black Sea.
Ukraine is one of the world's top grain producers, and Russia's invasion  blocked 20 million tonnes of grain in its ports before the United Nations and Turkey brokered the deal in July.


Macau to limit numbers of gaming tables, machines for casino operators

Macau has fixed a limit of 6,000 gaming tables and 12,000 gaming machines for new casino operators early next year, as well as minimum income levels for each operator, the government in the world's biggest gambling hub said on Friday.
With their contracts set to expire at the end of the year, the territory's six licensed operators, Sands China, Wynn Macau, Galaxy Entertainment, MGM China, SJM Holdings, Melco Resorts have to rebid for their spots.
The government kicked off the highly anticipated bidding process in July, when it said global gaming operators could submit bids for new licenses from July 29 until Sept 14.
"The new gaming operation from early next year will... cap the total amount of all gaming tables and gaming machines to ensure orderly and healthy development," the government said in a statement on its website.
Minimum annual gross income from each gaming table is set at 7 million patacas (US$866,122) while the figure for each gaming machine is 300,000 patacas, the government said.
A casino operator which falls short of the lower income level must make it up by paying a special premium. The government said the rules aimed to spur licensed companies to make good use of approved tables and machines.
By the end of 2021, Macau had a total of 6,198 gaming tables operating and 11,758 machines. That was down from a high of 6,739 tables in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.


New York City movie theatres to reopen

Movie theatres in New York City will partially reopen next month, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday, the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions in the Big Apple.Cuomo said cinemas will be able to operate at 25% capacity, or up to 50 people per screen, from March 5 – almost exactly a year since they shut.“Assigned seating, social distancing and other health precautions will be in place,” Cuomo wrote on Twitter.Officials closed movie theatres on March 17 last year as Covid-19 began ravaging America’s commercial capital, where the disease has now killed almost 29,000 people.Cuomo has been gradually easing restrictions in New York City in recent weeks as positivity rates fall.Limited indoor dining returned on Feb 12, with restaurants allowed to seat customers indoors at 25% capacity.Large arenas, including sports stadiums, are able to reopen at 10% capacity this week.The New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets are set to play in front of 2,000 fans at their respective home games at Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center on Tuesday.New York City’s seven-day rolling average of positive test results is hovering above the 4% mark, down from more than 6% in early January, according to state figures.


Myanmar junta hits back at Asean after being barred from meetings

Myanmar's military leadership on Wednesday lashed out at the Asean grouping of Southeast Asian countries for excluding its generals from regional gatherings, accusing it of caving to "external pressure".
Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have heaped condemnation on Myanmar's junta, which they say has failed to make concrete progress on a peace plan agreed with the 10-nation bloc last year, including engaging with opponents and a cessation of hostilities.
Myanmar's military seized power from an elected government in a coup last year, and has since then crushed dissent with lethal force. Most recently, the junta has been criticised for executing political activists and imprisoning Aung San Suu Kyi, the symbol of Myanmar's opposition and democracy movement.
Asean has barred Myanmar's generals from attending regional meetings, and some members said last month it would be forced to rethink the way forward unless the junta demonstrates progress on the peace plan.
The junta has declined offers to send non-political representatives instead to Asean meetings.
"If a seat representing a country is vacant, then it should not be labelled an Asean summit," junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said at a routine news conference on Wednesday, adding that Myanmar was working on implementing the peace plan.
"What they want is for us to meet and talk with the terrorists," he said, using the junta's label for pro-democracy movements that have taken up arms against the military.
He said Asean was violating its own policy of non-interference in a country's sovereign affairs while facing "external pressure", but did not elaborate.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, which is currently chairing Asean, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Several western countries including the United States and Britain have imposed sanctions on Myanmar's junta over the coup.


Superyacht sales buoyant as mega-wealthy seek Covid escape at sea

The mega-wealthy are spending billions on superyachts in 2021 as they seek to escape Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions by taking to the sea for months on end.Boat International Media, based in Wimbledon, London, said the surge is set to make this year the biggest yet in terms of second-hand sales.But global charity Oxfam said it was “obscene” that such wealth was not spent on vaccines. For the cost of those superyachts, people desperate for Covid-19 shots in developing countries could be fully vaccinated, the British activists said.The trend towards buying superyachts, which started last summer, is the “hottest sales streak on record”, according to Boat International.The luxury-lifestyle magazine defines a superyacht as being longer than 24m and typically with a permanent crew.These average superyachts – bigger ones can be up to 180m – usually cost up to US$6 million second-hand and have running costs of about US$250,000 per year for crew, mooring fees, and fuel.They can be kitted out with spa pools, helicopter landing pads, gyms, or anything else the owners want.The biggest second-hand yacht sold this year cost over US$75 million, but Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s superyacht is estimated to have cost about half a billion dollars.The sales surge is being driven by extraordinarily wealthy people who want to get away from travel restrictions and covid-related lockdowns by sailing away in private luxury, the magazine said. Most megayacht owners do not want or need to go near populations in peril on the land during the pandemic.Max Lawson, head of inequality policy at Oxfam International, said: “The £1 billion spent in the last year by billionaires on superyachts is more than the cost of fully vaccinating a country like Nepal, where Covid is inflicting a terrible toll.“It is obscene – a sign of a world that has its priorities badly wrong – that with so much wealth around poor countries cannot get the vaccines they need to protect their people.”


Sorry.


PAS, Umno out to ensure no collisions with Bersatu at next polls

Umno and PAS today said they would work towards ensuring zero collisions between them and Bersatu in the next election, despite the recent fallout between Umno and Bersatu.The decision was reached following a meeting of top leaders from the two parties to discuss the future of Muafakat Nasional, the charter signed by Umno and PAS in 2019.Speaking to reporters, PAS information chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad said the meeting had focused on strengthening ties between the two parties.“We are working towards ensuring no three-cornered fights,” he said.The meeting of Muafakat Nasional’s consultative committee tonight was co-chaired by Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan and his PAS counterpart, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.It was held as tensions between the two largest Malay-based parties in the country threatened to resurface, following calls by Umno leaders on PAS to quit the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.A group of Umno leaders led by party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister Najib Razak has been urging PAS to renounce its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, reminding the Islamist party that it is bound by Muafakat Nasional, a charter of cooperation formally ending the two parties’ decades-old rivalry.The calls followed the Umno Supreme Council’s decision not to cooperate with Muhyiddin’s Bersatu in the impending 15th general election.PAS has repeatedly stated its commitment to Muhyiddin’s government, and has welcomed Bersatu to become a third member of Muafakat Nasional.The party recently stated that it was prepared to mediate between Umno and Bersatu, an offer scoffed at by Umno’s election director Tajuddin Abdul Rahman who warned PAS to stay out of the matter.Tajuddin is among a group of Umno leaders who claim that Muhyiddin had shortchanged the former ruling party by not giving it key posts in the government.


Hong Kong finds Covid in samples from packaging of pork, beef imports

Hong Kong authorities said they found Covid-19 in samples taken from the packaging of imports of frozen beef from Brazil and frozen pork skin from Poland, vowing to step up inspections of imported food.The global financial hub deploys a “dynamic zero Covid” strategy similar to mainland China’s, aiming to eradicate any outbreaks at all costs. Authorities have been on high alert as a new wave of infections is proving harder to control.Daily infections numbers have risen sharply this year, reaching a record 7,533 cases on Monday, overwhelming the government’s testing, hospital and quarantine capacities.The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) took 36 samples for testing from a batch of around 1,100 cartons of frozen beef, weighing a total of 29 tonnes, imported from Brazil by sea. It found one outer packaging and two inner packaging samples tested positive.It also collected 12 samples from a batch of around 300 cartons of frozen pork skin, weighing around 7 tonnes, imported from Poland via sea. One inner packaging sample tested positive for Covid-19.“The CFS has ordered the importers concerned to dispose the beef and pork skin of the same batches,” the government said in a statement late on Monday. “In addition, the CFS will step up the sampling of similar products for testing.”Hong Kong has been monitoring frozen food imports for Covid-19 since mid-2020 and found positive samples on pomfret fish packaging in August 2021 and on cuttlefish packaging in November 2021.Authorities said Covid-19 is predominantly transmitted through droplets and cannot multiply in food or food packaging, and that it is unlikely that it can be transmitted to humans via food consumption.Nevertheless, they recommend people handle raw food separately, observe hygiene rules and cook food thoroughly.With stepped up inspections on food imports, Hong Kong is again following in the footsteps of mainland China on Covid-19 policies. Unlike other countries, China cites frozen food packaging as a risk of spreading Covid-19. Read full storyMainland China had announced a number of cases of the virus being found on chilled food packaging, prompting rejections of goods and complaints from exporters. The World Health Organization says neither food nor packaging are known transmission routes.


Changes urged to avoid another ‘train wreck’ presidential debate

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced Wednesday that it is considering changes for the remaining debates after President Donald Trump repeatedly flouted the rules, resulting in a chaotic debate.“Last night’s debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues,” the CPD said in a statement. “The CPD will be carefully considering the changes that it will adopt and will announce those measures shortly.”Tuesday’s debate was described by one commentator as “a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck”.Moments before the CPD released its statement, Democratic nominee Joe Biden told reporters in Ohio that he hoped the future debates would be organised differently.Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh disagreed, saying in a statement, “The commission shouldn’t be moving the goalposts and changing the rules in the middle of the game.”Tuesday’s debate moderator, Chris Wallace, was criticised by some for failing to rein in the mayhem, but the commission acknowledged he had been given a very difficult task.“I’m just sad with the way last night turned out,” Wallace told the New York Times on Wednesday. “I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did.”It is unclear exactly what changes the CPD will propose, but a source close to the commission said it was considering the ability to cut off a candidate’s microphone when the rules are violated.Many doubt that this would stop Trump’s interruptions.The president tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that future debates should try “getting a new anchor and a smarter Democrat candidate!”


Flood victims in Sarawak increase 3-fold

In Sarawak, the number of flood victims increased three-fold today to 4,222 evacuees at 49 relief centres (PPS) as rising water levels continue for the third day in six districts.According to a report by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), as af 8am today 2,159 victims were at 19 PPS in Kuching, followed by Serian with 1,014 evacuees at 10 PPS, Bau (706 people at 11 PPS), Samarahan city (211 people at five PPS), Simunjan (103 people at two PPS) and Miri (29 people at two PPS).However the situation has improved in Raub, Pahang, where district police chief Supt Kama Azural Mohamed said the last three PPS were closed yesterday and all 69 remaining victims sent home.The Social Welfare Department (JKM) InfoBencana portal reported that the number of flood victims in Pahang this morning stood at 7,992 people with 102 PPS still operating in seven districts.Pekan recorded the highest number of victims at 3,317 people, followed by Maran (1,903), Kuantan (878), Temerloh (792), Bera (715), Lipis (353) and Jerantut (34).In Johor, good weather saw the number of evacuees drop to 784 from 245 families as of 8am today, compared to 892 from 276 families yesterday.According to the state health and environment committee chairman R Vidyananthan, the flood victims are being accommodated at 10 PPS in five districts.Kota Tinggi still records the highest number of flood victims at 525 people involving 140 families at five PPS, followed by Johor Bahru (116 people, 71 families in two PPS), Kluang (50 people, 11 families in one PPS), Segamat (76 people, 20 families in one PPS) and Batu Pahat (17 people, three families in one PPS).In Sabah, the number of flood victims increased slightly to 761 people from 198 families at 8am today, compared to 712 people from 173 families yesterday afternoon.The Sabah disaster management committee secretariat, in a statement, said the flood victims are being housed at 11 relief centres in five districts: Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beaufort, Lahad Datu and Paitan.


Hong Kong Covid cases hit record as compulsory testing looms

Hong Kong reported a record 8,674 new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, as the city prepares for compulsory testing of its residents after authorities extended the toughest social restrictions imposed since the pandemic began.Health authorities reported 24 deaths compared with Tuesday’s 32, as they step up measures, with assistance from their mainland counterparts, to contain the outbreak.On Tuesday, Hong Kong reported 6,211 new cases.With the city’s testing, treatment and isolation capacity already stretched to the maximum, University of Hong Kong researchers predicted new infections could peak at 180,000 a day next month.“We are really at the limit,” Lau Ka-hin, chief manager for quality and standards of the Hospital Authority, an oversight department, told reporters.Earlier on Wednesday, Finance Secretary Paul Chan unveiled tax breaks, handouts and subsidies to small businesses and residents, in a 2022/23 budget that aimed to mitigate the impact of curbs that will last at least until April 20.With bars, gyms and other businesses already closed and shopping malls deserted while many residents work from home, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that schools would break early for summer and resume the new year in August.Some school campuses could then be used for testing and isolation as mandatory checks for infections begin next month.Residents would need to test three times, with the city of 7.4 million able to test about one million people a day, Lam said.Hong Kong media reported that further restrictions were imminent.Lam’s government has adopted a “dynamic zero Covid” strategy which, similarly to mainland China’s, aims to eradicate any outbreaks at all costs.Since 2020, Hong Kong has registered more than 70,000 Covid-19 infections and more than 350 deaths.


Swedish mum arrested after ‘lost’ son found locked up for decades

Swedish police have arrested an elderly woman on suspicion of keeping her son confined to their flat in a Stockholm suburb for nearly three decades.She has denied false imprisonment and grievous bodily harm after her son, now aged about 40, was found injured and living in squalor.He was discovered by a relative on Sunday after his mother fell ill and was taken to hospital.The unnamed relative went to the flat in Haninge, a southern suburb of the capital, on Sunday evening with her partner after hearing that the mother had been taken to hospital, she told Expressen newspaper.It was about 20 years since she had last visited the flat, she said, but she was concerned about the welfare of the boy, who had been removed from school when he was aged about 12 and had vanished.The front door was unlocked and the flat in darkness. She shouted “hello” but there was no answer and so she went in, picking her way through piles of rubbish. The place stank of urine, and decay.In the kitchen, in the light of a streetlamp, she saw a grown man on a blanket in a corner. He was covered in open sores.When he saw her, he struggled to his feet and whispered her name in a faint voice.She told the paper that somehow he had recognised her after so long and was not afraid of her.He had lost almost all his teeth and was obviously in very bad condition. The couple rushed him to hospital and when doctors examined him, they alerted the police. The mother was arrested.Police sealed off the apartment and are seeking witnesses as they try to piece together what happened over the decades since he vanished. A police spokesman told Reuters, “We are looking into how long the son may have been imprisoned, but we assume it’s been a long period of time.”Stockholm prosecutor Emma Olsson told the news agency that the man had required and was receiving surgery, without giving further details.His rescuer told Swedish TV the mother had never recovered emotionally from losing an earlier child when she was very young. After giving birth again, her new son was given the same name and she became over-protective and unbalanced.“I’m just thankful that he is getting help and is going to survive,” she said.Neighbours said that they had always seen the mother as simply an old woman who lived alone.


‘Akin to police state’: lawyers slam need for travel permit to attend court

A lawyers group voiced reservations today over the government’s recent announcement on the need for a police permit for those attending court throughout the two-week lockdown period, calling it an unnecessary restriction that would create “a dangerous precedent”.Lawyers for Liberty coordinator Zaid Malek said requiring a police permit for the exercise of legal representation infringed on the public right to such representation enshrined in Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution.“Lawyers would obviously only go to court to represent their clients and not otherwise,” he said.“Why then impose a police permit requirement, which allows the police to deny legal representation to the public should they decide to do so?”Law minister Takiyuddin Hassan said yesterday that the legal services would be allowed to operate during the lockdown period although the sector is not listed as an essential service.He said lawyers involved in hearings for new charges, remand orders and miscellaneous criminal applications could apply for travel permits from the police while corporate and conveyancing lawyers acting for businesses listed in the essential services sector could seek permission through the international trade and industry ministry’s Covid-19 Intelligent Management System 3.0.But Zaid said applications would be complicated by the nature of criminal cases which he described as sudden and unpredictable.“Lawyers may only receive instructions at the 11th hour and may not have the necessary documentation to prove that they have cases in court, especially with clients who are facing fresh charges or remand applications that will only be registered by the courts the morning of the case itself.”In a statement, he said access to justice should not rely on the permission of enforcement bodies whom he added might have competing interests against those arrested.“Giving power to the police to decide whether lawyers can go to court to represent clients is akin to a police state.”He said the government has a duty at all times to ensure that the justice system is operational, adding that this could only be done if lawyers are given free access to represent their clients in court without being “at the mercy of the police”.“The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 does not allow any abrogation of the fundamental liberties protected under the Federal Constitution,” he said.


Tighter SOPs under MCO 3.0 the best move for now, says Selangor MB

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari says the tighter movement control order (MCO) which came into effect today is the best decision for the time being to contain the spread of Covid-19.However, he said the implementation of MCO should be reviewed from time to time, depending on the current situation.“I believe this is the best decision for now, but we will have to look at it again if the number of cases continues to increase.“If there is no solution, then only we can implement a lockdown, but we have to make the preparations from now,” he told reporters after visiting the vaccination centre at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam.He said the MCO, which was implemented for two weeks in Selangor starting May 6, had resulted in the reduction of Covid-19 cases in several clusters, including at educational institutions and workplaces.“In the next two weeks, we hope to see the outcome of MCO 3.0, whether we manage to further reduce the cases or not,” he said.Amirudin also urged the National Security Council to assist individuals who have had to cancel their vaccination appointments after testing positive for Covid-19.“When they recover from Covid-19, they have to wait for three to six months before getting vaccinated. Therefore, we have to reschedule their appointments so that no one will miss their vaccination,” he said.