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Sarawak’s second active Covid-19 detection operation covers 2,100 people

KUCHING: A Covid-19 case detection operation is being conducted in Kampung Tabuan Lot here today involving more than 2,100 people from 423 houses, said Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said the operation, the second such exercise in Sarawak, was being undertaken from 8.30am to 5pm to screen the close contacts of Covid-19 positive patients.

“A (Covid-19) victim from the village had died while there was another case which could not be linked to any existing cluster. This programme was launched because the Covid-19 carriers might have unknowingly spread the virus to their families, neighbours and the community,” he told reporters after visiting the village today.

He said 171 personnel from the Sarawak Health Department, Royal Malaysia Police and Civil Defence Force are involved in the operation.

Fast and early detection of the deadly coronavirus was important because there were asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, he added.

A total of 15,583 people from 5,300 houses in Taman Desa Ilmu and Taman Uni Garden in Kota Samarahan were screened in the first case detection operation conducted from April 27 to May 3. — Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/covid-19/sarawak-s-second-active-covid-19-detection-operation-covers-2100-people-ML2386493

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May 9, 2020
Amcham supports gov’t plan to enforce S17A of the MACC Act 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) supports the Malaysian Government plan to enforce S17A from June 2020 to bring the level of compliance by Malaysian companies on par with that of the United States and the rest of the developed world.

It said, the Malaysian Government introduced corporate liability for companies committing acts of bribery through Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Act 2009, which was in line with the requirements of Article 26 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

“As a reflection of Malaysia’s commitment to the UNCAC, Section 17A is to come into effect next month, given the concern about the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption to the stability and security of society, the undermining of institutions and values of democracy, and the jeopardizing of sustainable development of the economy.

“These prohibitions reflect the provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1977 and are the terms on which all US companies conduct business,“ said Amcham in a statement.

It pointed out that there should not be any delay or suspension in the implementation of such key legislation, especially in these times of economic turmoil when businesses and consumers need certainty, especially to ensure that prices are not inflated due to corrupt acts or lax enforcement of the law. — Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/amcham-supports-gov-t-plan-to-enforce-s17a-of-the-macc-act-2009-FL2386430

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May 9, 2020
Medical Product Alert N°5/2020 – 7 May 2020
Falsified and contaminated Defibrotide identified in WHO regions of Western Pacific, Europe and Eastern Mediterranean

This alert relates to falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG VIALS OF 2.5ML (80MG/ML) CONCENTRATE FOR SOLUTION FOR INFUSION identified in Australia, Latvia and Saudi Arabia. This product is sold under the brand name Defitelio.

On 13 March 2020, the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System on Substandard and Falsified (SF) Medical Products was informed that falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials were identified at patient level in Australia, displaying batch number 0286 (see Table 1 below for full details).

Following enquiries with stakeholders, on 8 April 2020, WHO was informed that falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials had also been supplied to Saudi Arabia, displaying batch number 0286 and 0126 (see Table 1 below for full details).

Following enquiries with stakeholders, on 9 April 2020, WHO was informed that falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials, displaying batch number 0126, had also been identified in Australia and Latvia.

DEFIBROTIDE is used to treat hepatic veno-occlusive disease, in which the blood vessels in the liver become damaged and obstructed by blood clots. This can be caused by treatments prior to a stem cell transplantation.

Laboratory analyses, conducted by national medicines regulatory authorities and the manufacturer of the genuine product, established that these falsified products do not contain any of the expected active ingredient. The solution in the vials is also contaminated with mould (Cladosporium sp. and Aspergillus niger).

Information available to WHO indicates that both batches of falsified DEFIBROTIDE 200MG vials were present within the regulated supply chain in Latvia as early as January 2020 and were also handled by medicine wholesalers in the United Kingdom in February 2020. It is important to note that widespread vigilance is required from all countries, regardless of where the product was originally identified.

Table 1: falsified defibrotide subject of WHO Alert n°5/2020, identified in Australia, Latvia and Saudi Arabia

The two products listed in Table 1 are confirmed falsified, on the basis that there is deliberate misrepresentation of their identity, composition and source.

The genuine manufacturer of Defibrotide, GENTIUM S.R.L has also confirmed to WHO that:
- They did not manufacture the above products.
- Authentic DEFIBROTIDE 200MG VIALS with batch number 0286 were supplied to Argentina, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey.
- Authentic DEFIBROTIDE 200MG VIALS with batch number 0126 were supplied to Australia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
  For guidance and photographs, please refer to page 2 of this Alert n°5/2020.
Photos of Falsified DEFIBROTIDE Batch number: 0286, with expiry date: 09/2021

Sample from Latvia Sample from Latvia

Photos of Falsified DEFIBROTIDE Batch number: 0126, with expiry date: 08/2021

Sample from Australia Sample from Australia

WHO requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased vigilance should include hospitals, clinics, health centres, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and any other suppliers of medical products.

If you are in possession of the above products, please do not use them. If you have used these falsified products, or if you suffer an adverse reaction/event having used these products, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and to report the incident to the National Regulatory Authorities/National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

All medical products must be obtained from licensed, authorized and reliable sources. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. Seek advice from a healthcare professional in case of doubt.

National regulatory/health authorities are advised to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are identified in their country(ies). If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of these products, please contact rapidalert@who.int.

WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.who.int/medicines/regulation/ssffc/en/

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https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/07-05-2020-medical-product-alert-n-5-2020

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May 9, 2020
Global leaders unite to ensure everyone everywhere can access new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19

Heads of state and global health leaders today made an unprecedented commitment to work together to accelerate the development and production of new vaccines, tests and treatments for COVID-19 and assure equitable access worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already affected more than 2.4 million people, killing over 160,000. It is taking a huge toll on families, societies, health systems and economies around the world, and for as long as this virus threatens any country, the entire world is at risk.

There is an urgent need, therefore, while following existing measures to keep people physically distanced and to test and track all contacts of people who test positive, for innovative COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and treatments.

“We will only halt COVID-19 through solidarity,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Countries, health partners, manufacturers, and the private sector must act together and ensure that the fruits of science and research can benefit everybody.”

Work has already started. Since January, WHO has been working with researchers from hundreds of institutions to develop and test vaccines, standardize assays and standardize regulatory approaches on innovative trial designs and define criteria to prioritize vaccine candidates. The Organization has prequalified diagnostics that are being used all over the world, and more are in the pipeline. And it is coordinating a global trial to assess the safety and efficacy of four therapeutics against COVID-19.

The challenge is to speed up and harmonize processes to ensure that once products are deemed safe and effective, they can be brought to the billions of people in the world who need them. Past experience, in the early days of HIV treatment, for example, and in the deployment of vaccines against the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, shows that even when tools are available, they have not been equally available to all.

So today leaders came together at a virtual event, co-hosted by the World Health Organization, the President of France, the President of the European Commission, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The event was joined by the UN Secretary General, the AU Commission Chairperson, the G20 President, heads of state of France, South Africa, Germany, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Italy, Rwanda, Norway, Spain, Malaysia and the UK (represented by the First Secretary of State).

Health leaders from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), GAVI-the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund, UNITAID, the Wellcome Trust, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC), the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (IFPMA), the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers’ Network (DCVMN), and the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) committed to come together, guided by a common vision of a planet protected from human suffering and the devastating social and economic consequences of COVID-19, to launch this groundbreaking collaboration. They are joined by two Special Envoys: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Gavi Board Chair and Sir Andrew Witty, former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline.

They pledged to work towards equitable global access based on an unprecedented level of partnership. They agreed to create a strong unified voice, to build on past experience and to be accountable to the world, to communities and to one another.

“Our shared commitment is to ensure all people have access to all the tools to prevent, detect, treat and defeat COVID-19,” said Dr Tedros. “No country and no organization can do this alone. The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator brings together the combined power of several organizations to work with speed and scale.”

Health leaders called on the global community and political leaders to support this landmark collaboration and for donors to provide the necessary resources to accelerate achievement of its objectives, capitalizing on the opportunity provided by a forthcoming pledging initiative that starts on 4 May 2020. This initiative, spearheaded by the European Union, aims to mobilize the significant resources needed to accelerate the work towards protecting the world from COVID-19.

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https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/24-04-2020-global-leaders-unite-to-ensure-everyone-everywhere-can-access-new-vaccines-tests-and-treatments-for-covid-19

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May 9, 2020
MCO: Companies given permission to operate told to adhere to guidelines

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Chamber Of Commerce And Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) urges all companies and industries that are allowed to operate in stages during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period to fully comply with the standard operating procedure and guidelines to ensure public health is not compromised.

The chamber said the government’s protection/prevention measures and MCO had managed to prevent exponential increase in new infected cases and deaths from Covid-19.

“But complacency must not be allowed to set in. The war against Covid-19 is not over,” stressed its president Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap in a statement.

He lauded the government’s decision to extend the MCO for another two weeks, from April 15 to April 28, 2020.

NCCIM believes the government had weighed all aspects in deciding to extend the MCO and through a special cabinet taskforce, review and consider allowing selected industries to resume their operations in stages albeit under strict compliance of standard operating procedures.

“We are grateful that the government and relevant ministries have taken into consideration NCCIM’s suggestions about the MCO approach in balancing macro and micro elements of the business ecosystem and public health in ensuring the best interest of the nation, survival of businesses, welfare of workers, and the livelihood of citizens,” said Ter.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/mco-companies-given-permission-to-operate-told-to-adhere-to-guidelines-CB2245631

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April 11, 2020
Covid-19: MAF strengthens, tightens nation’s border controls

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will strengthen and tighten the country’s border controls during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

The Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang (pix) said MAF would always take various factors into consideration in drafting the country’s strategic defence plans to cover any situation, especially since Malaysia was facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said they even looked into various possibilities, especially in anticipating the action of foreigners entering Malaysia illegally by using ‘rat lanes’.

“This in turn could have an impact on the rise of Covid-19 cases. While the MCO and enhanced MCO (EMCO) are being implemented, domestic operations will continue as usual.

“The MAF collaborates with the Royal Malaysia Police, especially the General Operations Force as well as other security agencies, to not only carry out border controls in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia but also the nation’s maritime borders,” he said yesterday.

Affendi said that with the latest directive as contained in Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s special message today, MAF would further strengthen every land, sea and air control to be at the highest level.

Muhyiddin, in his message, directed the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador; MAF chiefs; Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som; Immigration Department; People’s Volunteers Corps (RELA) and other relevant agencies to tighten controls along the country’s borders.

The Prime Minister said this was to avoid the possibility of illegal immigrants entering through ‘rat lanes’ and bringing the virus into the country. — Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/covid-19-maf-strengthens-tightens-nation-s-border-controls-MB2245608

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April 11, 2020
MAEPS quarantine centre in Serdang to receive Covid-19 patients next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The Covid-19 Low-Risk Patient Quarantine and Treatment Centre at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Serdang near here is expected to receive patients next week.

Mardi Corp Group chief executive officer Zaidi Shahrim however said so far, it had no information on the exact date when the authorities would send the Covid-19 patients there for quarantine.

“MAEPS will receive low-risk Covid-19 patients from around the Klang Valley, Malacca and several areas in Perak,” he said last night in an interview via Skype that broadcast live on the Bernama 7.45 programme.

On the challenges faced throughout the process of transforming MAEPS into a quarantine centre in just a short period of time, Zaidi said said it was difficult to get supplies from contractors as many were ‘bound’ by the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“We received the instruction during the first phase of the MCO but Alhamdulillah, with the close cooperation between various government agencies such as the Ministry of Health (MOH), Nadma (the National Disaster Management Agency), the Fire and Rescue Department and private companies, we managed to realise it within four days,” he added.

Zaidi said MAEPS is equipped with hospital-like facilities such as beds, bathrooms, dressing room, toilet, lounge and so on.

Among the services provided at the centre are clinical services, ward for Covid-19 patients, resuscitation rooms to stabilise patients in emergency situations, ambulance, pharmacy, X-ray, and pathology laboratory services.

The quarantine centre which has the capacity to place up to 600 patients at any one time is coordinated by Nadma with the cooperation of the MOH, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force, the Social Welfare Department and the Public Works Department. — Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/maeps-quarantine-centre-in-serdang-to-receive-covid-19-patients-next-week-MB2245538

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April 11, 2020
Will the MCO be extended? You’ll get the answer today

KUALA LUMPUR: The question that is on everyone’s mind – whether the Movement Control Order (MCO) which ends on April 14 is extended – will be answered today.

According to a statement by Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to make an announcement today on further measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.

He is also expected to make the much-awaited announcement on the status of the MCO which has been enforced since March 18.

The first phase of the MCO which was introduced to break the chain of Covid-19 infections was from March 18 to 31, followed by the second phase from April 1 to 14.

As of yesterday, the situation has been encouraging, with 121 patients cured, exceeding the number of 109 recorded positive cases which brings the total of positive cases to 4,228, with 67 deaths.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday, the compliance rate of the MCO was 97%, and the Royal Malaysia Police has issued 95 compound notices of RM1,000 each to the errant individuals.

Also, there are currently 24 red zone areas in the country which are the places where the number of Covid-19 positive cases exceeded 41.

To date, the locations where the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) has been enforced are Simpang Renggam (Johor), Hulu Langat (Selangor), and three buildings in Kuala Lumpur, namely Menara City One, and the Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion buildings.

Simpang Renggam was the first location where the EMCO was enforced on March 27 after 61 residents were found to be positive for Covid-19, and the order has now been extended to April 14.

Up till yesterday (April 9), three states have recorded the highest number of positive Covid-19 cases, namely Selangor (1,118), Kuala Lumpur (699) and Johor (503).

The responsibility now lies with the public to comply with the MCO in order to break the chain of Covid-19 infections. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/will-the-mco-be-extended-you-ll-get-the-answer-today-IF2241129

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April 10, 2020
Pets found positive for Covid-19 must be quarantied

KUALA LUMPUR: Pets owned by private individuals which have been confirmed positive for Covid-19 must be isolated and quarantined for 14 days for monitoring purposes.

Senior lecturer (veterinary immunology) and researcher at the Faculty of Veterinary Science in Universiti Putra Malaysia, Dr Farina Mustaffa Kamal, said if these pets displayed any health issues during this period, their owners should consult the District Veterinary Services Department for further action.

She said although there was no evidence of pets spreading Covid-19 infections, they could themselves be infected by the disease as reported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

“Two cases of Covid-19 infections involving pets (a cat and a dog) contracted from their owners have been reported in Belgium and Hong Kong.

“These pets were suspected to have contracted the disease through close contact with Covid-19 positive persons through kisses, hugs or general management,” she told Bernama when contacted.

However, Dr Farina said, so far the number of infected pets was very small and there was no clear information of the symptoms of animals infected with Covid-19, with the majority not displaying any signs.

“Only one cat in Belgium displayed symptoms of breathing difficulties, diarrhea and vomiting. However, it must be remembered that other virus or bacteria can also cause these same symptoms in animals,” she said.

Dr Farina stressed that it was better for pet owners to impose early quarantine and isolation measures on their animals as soon as they realise that they had symptoms of Covid-19 infection.

She added that there was no clear evidence that certain species of animals were naturally more susceptible to infections, but said with the current Covid-19 pandemic, the pet owners are encouraged to isolate their animals in the house.

“So far, experimental studies show that the virus can infect cats, ferrets, and monkeys,” she said, adding that ferrets and monkeys were the laboratory animals used in studies on coronavirus.

As for stray animals, Dr Farina said it was difficult to check on stray cats as they were not used to human interaction.

“Logically-speaking, there is less close contact between humans and stray cats through kisses and hugs, but the recommendations by the OIE and the World Health Organisation must be observed when managing pets and stray animals,” she said.

Dr Farina said generally-speaking, coronavirus was a large family of virus which infected different species of animals. –Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/home/pets-found-positive-for-covid-19-must-be-quarantied-DE2237270

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April 9, 2020
MAZPA appeals for aid for wildlife

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (MAZPA) is appealing to the government to consider the plight of private zoos, and to provide aid which would enable them to continue surviving to look after the welfare of their wildlife.

Its vice-president Gerard Wong Woon See said if these zoos were not given aid during current difficult times, they may find it difficult to continue operating.

“Wildlife (care) is in the list of essential services during the Movement Control Order period, enabling zoological parks to continue caring for them.

“The wildlife have to be fed and managed by workers during the usual working hours. The private zoological parks will continue to give the best service for their care even in times of crisis but the remaining funds are very limited,” he said in a statement here.

He added that MAZPA was very worried about its members, especially the private zoological parks, some of which have been operating for more than 30 years.

The parks which have been badly affected are the Penang Bird Park, Penang Entopia by the Penang Butterfly Farm, Langkawi Widllife Park, Selangor Farm In The City, Selangor KL Tower Mini Zoo, A Famosa Safari Wonderland, Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Park, and the Melaka Crocodile and Recreation Park.

Wong said many of the private zoological parks were involved in wildlife research, breeding and conservation efforts, and a huge amount of money was spent on building laboratories, conducting research, employing and training laboratory staff, veterinarians and zoologists.

He added that the zoological parks also worked with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in efforts to care for the wildlife and share critical information on conservation programmes involving species which are nearing extinction in Malaysia.

“For instance, the A Famosa Safari Wonderland which has 19 Malayan Tigers’ is an important partner in the effort to preserve the gene pool of the species,” he said. –Bernama

Pix for representational purpose only.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/mazpa-appeals-for-aid-for-wildlife-KE2237084

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April 9, 2020