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Do not take RTK test for Covid-19 without doctor’s advice: MOH

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has called on the people not to undergo rapid test kit (RTK) tests arbitrarily without seeking the advice of medical practitioners.

Health director-general, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix) said it has the potential to a give wrong interpretation from the result obtained.

“The test via RTK technique which is now available in the market is to detect antibodies produced by the body as a result of an infection. The antibodies will appear in the body in five to eight days after infection.

“The RTK test which detects antibodies, cannot detect virus and it is administered for quick confirmation. As such it cannot help in the detection of initial Covid-19 cases. Therefore, RTK test is not recommended for diagnosing Covid-19,” he said in a statement today.

Elaborating further, Dr Noor Hisham said MOH is using the Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) technique at government health laboratories to detect the presence of Covid-19 virus found in the body of patients.

If the rRT-PCR COVID19 test is found positive, it means the individual has been infected by Covid-19 virus.

“The result of the rRT-PCR technique is very important in managing Covid-19 patients effectively,” he said.

In this regard, Dr Noor Hisham advised the people not to discriminate members of the tabligh congregation following the spread of Covid-19 from the cluster and should in fact assist MOH in tracing close contacts among them.

“We should not blame tabligh members, do not discriminate them, we should not stigmatise the tabligh congregation. What is important is for us to assist, trace and treat Covid-19 infection among tabligh members, their families and their contacts,” he said.

Apart from that. Dr Noor Hisham said KKM is cooperating with MERCY Malaysia to provide psychosocial support to the people especially frontliners and individuals emotionally affected by Covid-19.

They can obtain the service by contacting 011-63996482 / 011-63994236 / 03-29359935 from 8am to 5pm daily.

Members of the public can also contact the virtual health advisory team for a webinar session daily from 9am onwards at http://www.doctoroncall.com.my/coronavirus. – Bernama

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March 24, 2020
Special lanes for priority vehicles at road blocks

KOTA TINGGI: Police have set up special lanes at roadblocks in the district so that those with priority can use them during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

Kota Tinggi district police chief Supt Ahsmon Bajah said this was to ensure that those with priority would not get stuck in traffic congestion during the roadblocks.

For now, roadblocks have been set up at three locations in the district.

“Beginning today, a special route or lane has been set up to give priority to relevant agency personnel to carry out important tasks, including for ambulances, health ministry employees and hearses.

“We can identify them through the vehicles they use or from the identification documents and letters they carry with them,” he said after observing how the roadblock near the Desaru-Senai Toll Plaza here was being carried out today.

Ahsmon said the other two road blocks were at areas near the Jalan Kota Tinggi-Johor Bahru Army Combat Training Centre (Pulada) and the Kota Tinggi-Bandar Tenggara border. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/special-lanes-for-priority-vehicles-at-road-blocks-NB2175906

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March 24, 2020
Google+ Posts Can Now Be Embedded on Websites

With social media becoming the forefront where many users are spreading content around the globe through wireless networks, Google+ has finally caught up by allowing posts to be embedded in websites. This will make it easier for content to be shared over the internet more easily and quickly. The inclusion of this feature will give users the opportunity to have a far greater reach than what it was before. People who use Google+ frequently will now find…

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http://www.associationofmarketing.org/articles/view.php?article_id=13902

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March 24, 2020
Avail of Linked Offers on Bing

Bing has recently started developing a system where it can give out linked offers on its platform. Sometimes digital couponing does not get very good reviews because coupons must be used to avail of discounts. Although this seems to be the simplest method of giving out discounts, the search engine site is working on a program that will make the process more consumer-friendly…

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http://www.associationofmarketing.org/articles/view.php?article_id=13997

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March 23, 2020
COVID19: Restrictions On Peaceful Assembly And Movement Without A Law Or State Of Emergency Is Unconstitutional By Inibehe Effiong

A follower on Twitter asked me on Saturday whether it is “constitutional” for the government to restrict religious and social gatherings because of Coronavirus?

By virtue of Section 45 of the 1999 constitution, the rights to peaceful assembly and free movement can be interfered with in the interest of public health and public safety. Is Coronavirus a threat to public health and public safety? The answer is obviously in the affirmative.

Section 14 (2)(b) of the constitution states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

However, I urge President Buhari to declare a state of emergency throughout the federation in line with Section 305 of the constitution.

Section 305 (3)(d) of the constitution, allows for a state of emergency when “there is clear & present danger of breakdown of public order and public safety in the federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger.” COVID-19 is a clear and present danger to public safety.

Unlike in the United States, States in Nigeria cannot declare emergency. A governor supported by 2/3 members of the House of Assembly can only request the president to do so for them as stated in Section 305 (4) of the constitution. This is an example of the fraudulent nature of our federalism.

Since there is no special law to my knowledge, apart from laws establishing national and States emergency management agencies, to address public health crisis, it is necessary for the President to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria to address the outbreak of Coronavirus.

In the absence of a law enabling these restrictions to social and religious gatherings, the legality of these measures is questionable. This is because fundamental rights cannot be derogated from except as prescribed in a law that is “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.”

It is either a law is urgently enacted across the volatile states or the President invokes the state of emergency clause. As at today, there is no strong legal basis for restricting gatherings. None of the governors or the President has issued even an ordinary ‘Executive Order’.

In the United States for example where we copied our presidential system, President Trump declared a national emergency, and at least 48 States in the US have also declared emergency due to COVID-19. The American Congress also passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

In Nigeria, we are resorting to our usual militaristic way of doing things by relying on arbitrary executive fiat to tackle COVID-19. Nations do not become great just by the “good intentions” of politicians. Nations become great principally by adhering to the rule of law.

In the light of the foregoing, I strongly urge the federal and state governments to urgently take steps to address the apparent legal loopholes in their efforts to tackle Coronavirus. It is obvious that Nigeria is not prepared for an outbreak. We are doing trial and error.

We need a legal framework; not only to give legal backing to the restrictions on the fundamental rights of Nigerians to religion, association, assembly, movement, etc., but to also provide for reliefs for families and victims of COVID-19.

We should not wait for the worst to happen.

I wish to draw the attention of the government to the decision of the Court of Appeal in the celebrated case of Okafor v. Lagos State Government (2017) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1556) 404 where it was held that disobeying the “order” or “directive” of a governor is not a criminal offence.

In that case, Lagos State issued an order restricting movement during environmental sanitation, Okafor was arrested for disobeying the order. The court declared the arrest illegal and unconstitutional since there was no law that criminalized violation of the governor’s order.

Without a law or a state of emergency, it is illegal to arrest anyone for violating a mere executive order. Emotions cannot change the law. If religious leaders whose places of worship have been closed decide to challenge the closure in court, the government will likely lose.

I hope the government at all levels will listen to the voice of reason and initiate appropriate legal frameworks to support the containment of COVID-19. It is either we are a country of laws or a banana republic.

We should not yield to authoritarian rule because of expediency.

Inibehe Effiong is a Lagos-based legal practitioner and human rights activist

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http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/22/covid19-restrictions-peaceful-assembly-and-movement-without-law-or-state-emergency

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March 23, 2020
Six PDRM personnel positive for Covid-19: IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador (pix) today confirmed six police personnel have tested positive for Covid-19 while their 335 family members are waiting for test results.

He said the cases highlighted the risks the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel had to face in carrying out their duties while the country was facing Covid-19 outbreak.

“To date, six of my men have tested positive for Covid-19 … (and) we continue to give the rest of them encouragement and motivation to carry out their jobs,” he said in an exclusive interview, aired on Astro Awani today.

In another development, Abdul Hamid said as the Movement Control Order (MCO) enters its fourth day today, people are beginning to adhere to the directive by restricting their movement.

He said police continued to advise those a few who were still doing outdoor activities.

“We are not giving up as we are still at a stage where we want to create awareness and we use various tactics and technics for the purpose,” he said.

Police had launched Op Covid-19 on March 18 by conducting hundreds of roadblocks among others to ensure people observe the MCO announced by the government to break the chain of Covid-19 infection. — Bernama

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March 21, 2020
MCO: Kuala Lumpur, main cities nationwide quieter than usual on third day

KUALA LUMPUR: The situation was quieter than usual in the capital and other major cities in the country on the third day of the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

A Bernama survey of major roads in the capital, among them Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Tun Razak, found them to be less congested while checks on housing estates nearby also showed that residents were adhering to the MCO and staying put at home.

Although most shops were closed, a self-service laundrette continued to operate despite not being allowed to do so.

Police and other enforcement officers were also seen doing their rounds in the Wangsa Maju and Ampang Jaya areas in Selangor, with crowd movement reported to be very minimal.

Sundry shopkeeper Abdul Halim Zakaria, 60, said he only conducted delivery services while restaurant owner Idris Abdul Malek, 51, said he was only selling packed food for takeaways as allowed under the MCO.

The situation was similar elsewhere in the country, with Johor Police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay saying “most people are obeying the MCO, though there are a few who still gather at eateries”.

In Malacca, State Security and Crime Prevention Department chief ACP Beh Eng Lai said police set up 24-hour road blocks at three main roads in central Malacca as well as three more in Jasin and one in Alor Gajah.

“The road blocks have had an impact although there are still some who are stubborn and continue to give excuses for being on the road,” he said.

Kota Star District Police chief ACP Mohd Rozi Jidin, meanwhile, said police decided to close certain roads here as many still did not heed the MCO.

“We had no choice but to close 15 roads in the district. We first closed the roads from 9am to 1pm. The roads were then reopened for a while before being closed again and we will keep changing the road closure times,” he said. — Bernama

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March 20, 2020
King decrees all Malaysians to obey movement control order

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (pix) today decreed all Malaysians to obey the movement control order announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday and to give full cooperation in containing the spread of Covid-19 infections in the country.

The order will take effect from tomorrow until March 31.

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said His Majesty, nevertheless, said that the people should face the situation calmly to help the government and the relevant authorities tackle the situation effectively.

“His Majesty urges the people not to take the movement control lightly. The people were also asked to follow the guidelines and preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health because this is our mutual responsibility to ensure safety and wellbeing of our families, our communities and our beloved country,” he said in a statement issued by Istana Negara today.

He said Al-Sultan Abdullah also viewed seriously the rising number of positive Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, which was recorded at 553 yesterday and had placed his full trust in the government and the authorities to discharge their duties in containing the spread of the disease.

Ahmad Fadil said His Majesty was well aware that the people might feel that the action taken by the Perikatan Nasional government had made it difficult for them to go about their daily activities.

“However, we must try to understand and be patient because the government cannot wait for the situation to become more critical to take drastic action.

“As the Head of State, His Majesty also called on all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, to stay united and play their parts to help the government in containing the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

“His Majesty believes that with the strong spirit, concern and cooperation from the people, we will be able to contain the spread of the disease quickly and effectively,” he said.

Ahmad Fadil said Al-Sultan Abdullah also decreed all Malaysians to refer to the Online Health Advisory Service or the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) via the Ministry of Health’s website to find the answers to all their doubts and questions so as to prevent the spread of fake news and false information that may cause panic and confusion among themselves.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also expressed appreciation and thanks to the government under the leadership of Muhyiddin, government agencies and most of all to the unsung heroes, the medical staff and healthcare personnel, the civil servants and all the others who have sacrificed their time and energy in ensuring that all preventive measures and control of the infectious disease were being implemented efficiently.

“His Majesty also called on all Muslims to join him to pray to Allah SWT so that all our efforts be blessed and so that the COVID-19 situation can be tackled and put to end as soon as possible. InsyaAllah,” he said. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/king-decrees-all-malaysians-to-obey-movement-control-order-YD2140919

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March 17, 2020
Nationwide movement restriction measures to begin on Wednesday (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has declared that Malaysia will be placed under a nationwide movement restriction order from Wednesday (March 18) to March 31, 2020, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The order, the first in the country’s history, was announced by the prime minister in a live broadcast over national television tonight.

A total of 315 new positive cases of Covid-19 have been reported over the past two days, bringing the total in Malaysia to 553 cases.

Of this total, 511 have been hospitalised while 42 people have recovered.

Muhyiddin said the nationwide movement restriction order means that all business premises have to be shut down, except for outlets such as supermarkets and grocery stores selling daily essentials.

He said all government and private premises would be closed, except for essential services such as utilities, telecommunications, transport, banking, health, pharmacies, ports, airports, cleaning and food supplies.

He said the movement restriction also means all Malaysians will be banned from travelling abroad, and that no tourists or foreigners will be allowed to enter the country. Those who have just arrived from abroad must undergo self-quarantine for 14 days.

All public and private schools, including kindergartens, nurseries, residential school and other educational institutions are also to close. All private and public higher institutions of learning will also close.

Closure of all government and private premises except essential services such as water and electricity, telecommunication, postal service, transport, fuel, gas, lubrication, broadcasting, banking, health, pharmacy, fire-fighting, ports, airports, prisons, security and defence, sanitary services, provision and food supply.

The order also calls on a ban on all mass gatherings, including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.

The Prime Minister said the measures were taken to protect the rakyat from the spread of the virus but advised Malaysian to not panic and stay calm.

Muhyiddin added that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs will ensure that the supply of groceries and health care essentials will be readily available.

He also said that the government will address the situation daily and provided a hotline number – 0388882010- that will answer any queries from the public.

In an immediate response, former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told theSun that the order was the right action made in the right time.

“I am okay with it because it is in line with what I was advocating, I did not implement this earlier because at that time it wasn’t warranted and it wasn’t the right thing to do then,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdullah said that the provision of Section 11 (5) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 is read together with Section 24(a) of the same act.

Haniff said this would make any breach to the restriction order a criminal offence.

“The offense under section 11(5) carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. Whereas the second offence under section 24(b) warrants a maximum imprisonment sentence of five years.”

He also urged government officials to give a clear guideline on the extent of which a member of public can be out before it is considered an offense.

“This is to ensure proper and dutiful compliance on the part of public and to allow strict enforcement by the authorities.” he told theSun.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/nationwide-movement-restriction-measures-to-begin-on-wednesday-updated-IC2136749

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March 16, 2020
Some universities have closed their campus, switched to online lecturing

PETALING JAYA: A number of universities have closed their campuses and instructed their staff to give lectures online to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Among them is Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), which closed its branch campus in Pagoh from today for decontamination after a UTHM staff tested positive for novel coronavirus.

According to a circular from UTHM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Wahid Razzaly, which was uploaded on the university’s official Facebook page on Sunday night, the branch campus will be closed until March 19 to facilitate comprehensive decontamination of the premises.

He said the closure involves the entire academic and non-academic staff, except for employees of the university’s health centre, development and maintenance office, including the security and college residence division.

Quarantine and screening operations will continuously be conducted in line with existing procedures.

“All academic and administrative staff are allowed to work from home and attendance will not be recorded at the campus. The attendance record for all staff involved will be updated automatically by the Registrar’s Office,” Wahid added.

In George Town, Universiti Sains Malaysia announced that it is conducting all lectures online from Sunday.

Its vice-chancellor Prof Dr Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan said the dean will inform students on the online learning process.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/some-universities-have-closed-their-campus-switched-to-online-lecturing-CC2136532

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March 16, 2020