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Perak govt to provide one-off RM500 assistance to hawkers, small traders

IPOH: The Perak state government will provide special assistance to about 4,000 hawkers and small traders, in the form of a one-off payment of RM500 each, following the imposition of the nationwide movement control order effective from today until March 31 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (pix) said the assistance would soon be given to all hawkers and traders registered with local authorities in Perak.

“The total cost of this aid is estimated to be almost RM2 million,“ he said in a statement today.

In addition, the state government will bear half of the rental of food stalls under the purview of all local authorities for the months of March and April – this initiative will cost more than RM770,000.

To honour the 1,500 Perak Health Department front liners involved in the fight against Covid-19, the state government will sponsor lunches and dinners over a two-week period, Ahmad Faizal added, explaining that this will cost nearly RM200,000.

He added that a special allocation of RM160,000 made possible by the state government and some state government-linked companies, would be used to purchase additional equipment needed by health department personnel. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/perak-govt-to-provide-one-off-rm500-assistance-to-hawkers-small-traders-KA2147518

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March 18, 2020
“I stay at work for you , you stay at home for us”

KUALA LUMPUR: A doctor has put Facebook to good use by sharing a quote to remind Malaysians to stay at home during the two-week movement control order period.

Dr Gee Teak Sheng, a consultant neurosurgeon from Pantai Hospital, Penang today shared a photo of him holding a paper with ‘I Stay At Work for You, You Stay at Home for Us’ written on it, and also added the hashtags #StayHome and #DudukRumah.

The post is a reminder to Malaysians that staying home not only curbs the spread of Covid-19 but lightens the burden of many medical experts during this crucial time.

The restriction orders all government and private premises be closed, except for those providing essential services.

It also highlights the sacrifices of those who deliver these services, in order to fight the virus and serve the country.

Gee’s post garnered 44,000 shares on Facebook and is also making waves on other social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.

People filled the post with encouragement and appreciation comments.

Tay Liang Hua, a Facebook user from Muar commented “Thank you Doctor Gee and your team of staff for the dedication. Appreciate your efforts to educate the public at this critical time.”

While on Twitter, @adaazam reposted the photo with the caption, “Please, please stay at home. Please support doctors and nurses. Please support this movement.”

Other than health and pharmacy, telecommunications, postal, transport, broadcasting, finance, and banking are among the services which will be available during the order that took effect today until the end of the month. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/i-stay-at-work-for-you-you-stay-at-home-for-us-DA2147467

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March 18, 2020
Petronas evacuates employees from Iraq amid Covid-19 pandemic

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas has safely evacuated all 80 of its Malaysian employees from Petronas Carigali Iraq Holding B.V. (PCIHBV), located at the Garraf Contract Area in Iraq’s Thi Qar province in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move is a precautionary measure to ensure the health, safety and well-being of its employees, it said.

“This is certainly an unfortunate and unforeseeable event that is not within PCIHBV’s control. PCIHBV had accordingly issued the necessary notice in accordance with the provisions of the development and production service contract and engaged with the host authority prior to the suspension of operations and evacuation of our employees,” it said in a statement, here today.

Operations at the Garraf Contract Area are now temporarily suspended until further notice, Petronas said.

“We are also closely monitoring the situation,” it added.

According to news reports, Iraq has recorded 164 Covid-19 cases, with 12 deaths. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/petronas-evacuates-employees-from-iraq-amid-covid-19-pandemic-XA2147437

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March 18, 2020
Pros and cons to the coronavirus news spread on social media

News and views about coronavirus has spread via social media in a way that no health emergency has done before.

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https://techxplore.com/news/2020-03-pros-cons-coronavirus-news-social.html

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March 18, 2020
Tesla factory could be shut under California health order

The Tesla factory that employs thousands of people could be forced to close after Alameda County on Tuesday night declared it a “nonessential business” under the county’s shelter-in-place order.

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https://techxplore.com/news/2020-03-tesla-factory-california-health.html

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March 18, 2020
Sabah issues temporary immigration ban on non-Sabahans

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has announced an immigration order preventing the entry of non-Sabahans into the state, to be implemented throughout the 14-day period of the Movement Control Order announced by the federal government last night, and which takes effect tomorrow.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pix) said the ban of all non-Sabahans through entry points for air, sea and land travellers, would apply except in reference to individuals approved by the state government and who have received certification from health authorities that they are free of Covid-19.

“The ban on the entry of all foreign tourists and visitors to Sabah is also in effect, along with a ban on overseas travel for all Sabahans. Those who have just returned from overseas are required to undergo health screening, as well as self-isolation for a 14-day period,” he said, in a media statement issued today.

Also to take effect is a complete state-wide ban on public gatherings including religious, sporting, social and cultural activities.

“In order for this ban to take effect, all places of worship and business premies must close except for supermarkets, public markets, groceries, and convenience stores which sell essential items,” he said.

Mohd Shafie said all government premises will also be closed except those providing essential services.

On March 12, the state government had activated the State Disaster Management Committee headed by the State Secretary.

“District-level disaster management committees have also been activated and are chaired by the district officers,” he added. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/sabah-issues-temporary-immigration-ban-on-non-sabahans-YC2141463

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March 17, 2020
Police will take subtle approach in enforcing movement control order (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities will take a soft approach in enforcing the restriction of movement nationwide to allow Malaysians to adapt to the changes in their daily routine.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said today that while there are provisions under the Penal Code which empower police to act on those who defy orders and isolation rules, police would take a subtle approach in the early stages of the exercise.

He said in the two-week restriction of movement, police hope the people will play their role in strictly observing the law by self-imposing isolation without the need of police enforcement.

“This is not a curfew. It is just a move to control movement. If the laws are not being adhered to then we will first advise, then warn and finally action will be taken. We hope everyone will cooperate or else the whole purpose of this exercise will be defeated,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman, after attending a high-powered meeting in Putrajaya with the National Security Council, military and other agencies.

Abdul Hamid said those who plan interstate travel are required to notify the nearest police station of the purpose of their journey.

He said the traveller will need to have a valid and urgent purpose of making such a trip before police consider issuing an approval letter.

“This is to limit movement of people and to contain the spread of the virus. Please be responsible and not selfish. If there is no urgent need to travel then stay indoors. We seek your understanding in these difficult times. Do not make unnecessary travel or take family holidays.”

Abdul Hamid said random checks will be conducted by police on motorists travelling from state to state to ascertain if they had obtained the necessary travel permit from police.

Abdul Hamid said interstate travel would only be allowed for :

– the demise of a close family member

– the ill-health of a family member

– medical treatment for one’s self or family member

He said those who wish to seek approval for the travel for other reasons may discuss the matter with the officer-in-charge of station (OCS).

Those who fail to produce the travel document during police checks can face action under laws of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Penal Code where the penalty is imprisonment up to two years or a fine or both.

He added that traffic police counters for settling traffic summonses will be closed during the two-week period until March 31.

He said those who intend to pay their fines urgently to renew their driving licence or road tax due to being blacklisted can do so online.

Abdul Hamid said if they are unable to pay fines online, they can seek the assistance of the district police chief or his deputy in their respective areas.

On another matter, Abdul Hamid said the police force is yet to have any positive cases of Covid-19.

However, he said seven senior police officers, 34 junior officers, two civilian staff and 11 of their family members have been placed in self-quarantine after being suspected of exposure to the virus.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/police-will-take-subtle-approach-in-enforcing-movement-control-order-updated-FC2141052

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March 17, 2020
M’sians in Thailand rush home to beat movement control order deadline

BANGKOK: Many Malaysians working or on holiday in Thailand scrambled to book the next flight to Malaysia after a two-week nationwide movement control order from March 18 was announced in the country due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Many Malaysians rushed to airports early morning to make sure they got back home by today to avoid being slapped with the 14 day self-quarantine under the order.

An employee based in Pattaya, Low Ban Ching, travelled about 150km to Bangkok today just to catch the next flight back to Malaysia.

“I read messages from friends and family members back home about the movement control order.

“I realised I need to be back in Malaysia by today, if not, I have to undergo health checks and self-quarantine for 14 days.

“Luckily, I managed to book a ticket from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur,” he told Bernama when met at the Suvarnabhumi Airport today.

Meanwhile, a project-based employee who only wanted to be known as Kah Yee, said she decided to fly home as the movement control order created uncertainty for travellers.

“I’m not sure whether there will be another extension after March 31. I made a quick decision to fly home today to beat the deadline,” she said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had declared that Malaysia would be placed under nationwide movement control order from March 18-31 March due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Muhyiddin said it also involves a comprehensive restriction on all Malaysians travelling abroad with those returning from overseas required to undergo a health check and to self-quarantine for 14 days.

The restriction also covers the entry of all foreign tourists and visitors into the country and also bars Malaysians from leaving the country.

A businessman, who goes by the name of Thomas, 56, said he decided to bring forward his return ticket to get home before the deadline.

“I want to be home before the order goes into effect … I prefer to go back to Malaysia,” he said.

For Australian couple, Rosemary and David, who will transit in Kuala Lumpur before flying to Sydney said they decided to fly before March 18.

“We read about Malaysia’s movement control orders. We are not sure whether it will affect our flight.

“We do not want to take any risks so we are flying home early,” he said. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/m-sians-in-thailand-rush-home-to-beat-movement-control-order-deadline-DC2141261

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March 17, 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
ICC-WHO Joint Statement: An unprecedented private sector call to action to tackle COVID-19
In a coordinated effort to combat the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed to work closely to ensure the latest and most reliable information and tailored guidance reaches the global business community.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and societal emergency that requires effective immediate action by governments, individuals and businesses. All businesses have a key role to play in minimising the likelihood of transmission and impact on society. Early, bold and effective action will reduce short- term risks to employees and long-term costs to businesses and the economy.

To aid this collective effort, ICC will regularly send updated advice to its network of over 45 million businesses so that businesses everywhere can take informed and effective action to protect their workers, customers and local communities and contribute to the production and distribution of essential supplies.

ICC will also contribute to enhancing information flows on the coronavirus outbreak by surveying its global private sector network to map the global business response. This will both encourage businesses to adopt appropriate precautionary approaches and generate new data and insights to support national and international government efforts.

As an immediate priority, businesses should be developing or updating, readying or implementing business continuity plans. Business continuity plans should aim to reduce transmission, including by: promoting understanding of the disease, its symptoms and appropriate behavior among employees; setting up a reporting system for any cases and contacts; preparing essentials; limiting travel and physical connectivity; and planning for measures such as teleworking when necessary.

Calls to Action
- ICC strongly endorses WHO’s call on national governments everywhere to adopt a whole-of- government and whole-of-society approach in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reducing the further spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its impact should be a top priority for Heads of State and Government. Political action should be coordinated with actors in the private sector and civil society to maximize reach of messaging and effectiveness.
- Governments should commit to making available all necessary resources to combat COVID-19 with the minimum of delay and to ensure that cross-border medical and other essential goods supply chains are able to function effectively and efficiently
- ICC and the WHO encourage national chambers of commerce to work closely with UN country teams, including WHO country offices where they exist, and to designate mutual focal points to coordinate this collaboration.
- ICC encourages its members to support their country’s national response efforts and to contribute to the global response efforts coordinated by the WHO through www.covid19responsefund.org.
As the pandemic evolves, ICC Secretary General John W.H Denton AO and WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will continue to coordinate their efforts.

Essential information on the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the WHO’s dedicated site.

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https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/16-03-2020-icc-who-joint-statement-an-unprecedented-private-sector-call-to-action-to-tackle-covid-19

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March 17, 2020