Global Digital Store – Ebooks and Softwares

Tag: Malaysia

Hishammuddin thanks UAE government for medical equipment contribution

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (pix) thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their contribution of medical equipment to Malaysia today.

In his official Facebook page, Hishammuddin said the equipment would be handed over to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to be distributed to parties in need, particularly frontliners.

“I am also grateful because following my telephone conversation with UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan recently, apart from the medical equipment that we have received today, UAE and Malaysia are also collaborating closely in the sharing of information, expertise and strategies to fight Covid-19.

“The sharing of information includes video conferences, conducted daily, involving the Wisma Putera Covid-19 task force with UAE government leaders,” he said, hoping that the cooperation would help both countries in managing the crisis as well as possible.

As of noon, a total of 156 Covid-19 positive cases were reported, raising the tally to 2,626 cases in the country with 37 deaths. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/hishammuddin-thanks-uae-government-for-medical-equipment-contribution-BN2197146

Views: 0

March 30, 2020
Over 5,000 tabligh attendees yet to get screened

PUTRAJAYA: Over 5,000 attendees of the tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque have yet to undergo Covid-19 screening, according to Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said to date, a total of 17,965 attendees were screened with some 12,842 samples taken.

“Of the total, 1,254 have been tested positive, 7,084 were confirmed negative while 4,504 are awaiting Covid-19 test results,” he told a press conference, here today.

Dr Noor Hisham said out of the 150 new confirmed cases today, 63 were linked to the Sri Petaling Mosque tabligh cluster.

On the illegal immigrants and those from the Rohingya ethnic group who were also at the tabligh gathering, he said the Health Ministry is collaborating with several non governmental organisations (NGOs) to ensure all of them get screened.

“Those illegal immigrants may be afraid to come forward but at least when they go to the clinics (with the help of the NGOs), we will have the data to enable us conduct the necessary treatment and screening,” he added.

The NGOs are the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia’s Response and Relief Team (Imaret), Mercy Malaysia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said the 100,000 test kits from China received by the ministry were meant for laboratory use and are not rapid test kits.

“We have also identified the laboratories that will be using the test kits,” he said.

He also said the ministry had received the supplies of reagents used for Covid-19 testing which would allow the test to be conducted at full capacity.

“We will continue to outsource the test to seven priavate laboratories,” Dr Noor Hisham added. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/over-5000-tabligh-attendees-yet-to-get-screened-GJ2193877

Views: 0

March 29, 2020
National Prihatin Aid: HASiL care line resumes operations on March 30

CYBERJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) announced today that its Hasil Care Line (HCL) call centre will resume operations from tomorrow (March 30) to answer questions related to the National Prihatin Aid (BPN) and taxation issues.

In a statement issued today, the IRB said the call centre will operate throughout the movement control order (MCO) period from 9am to 5pm daily from Sunday until Friday.

It said the call centre’s number is 03-89111000 or +603-89111000 for those who are overseas.

Meanwhile, any enquires concerning the Cost of Living Aid (Bantuan Sara Hidup) can be directed to the toll-free line at 1800-88-2747.

For further information, taxpayers can direct the issues via HASiL Live Chat or by filling up the feedback form which is available at the IRB’s official website at www.hasil.gov.my, Facebook and Twitter.

The IRB said taxpayers can also access further information related to taxation issues during the MCO period by going to the website http://lampiran1.hasil.gov.my/pdf/pdfam/faq_1.pdf for Bahasa Malaysia and http://lampiran1.hasil.gov.my/pdf/pdfam/faq_2.pdf for English language.

The Finance Ministry in a statement here today said Malaysians who are eligible for financial assistance under the stimulus package will have to register with the IRB. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/national-prihatin-aid-hasil-care-line-resumes-operations-on-march-30-IJ2193846

Views: 0

March 29, 2020
‘Chloroquine’ used to treat Covid-19 patients since first wave: Health DG

PUTRAJAYA: Chloroquine, a drug used for malaria, has been used to treat Covid-19 patients since the first wave of the outbreak in Malaysia and has shown its efficacy, according to Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pix).

He said the anti-inflammatory properties of the drug were effective in treating Covid-19 which caused inflammation in the lower respiratory tract.

“When the Covid-19 virus attaches to the lower respiratory tract it causes inflammation and replication of the virus and this drug helps treat the inflammation,” he told a press conference, here today.

Besides ‘Chloroquine’, Dr Noor Hisham said the combination of ‘Lopinavir and Ritonavir’ and Hydroxychloroquine have also been used by Ministry of Health (MoH) since the first wave of the outbreak.

He said the drugs used in the first wave of the infection showed promising results in treating Covid-19, however, further research was still required.

He explained that the number of deaths due to the virus had increased as the patients were either elderly, had comorbidities such as high blood pressure and kidney disease, or those who sought treatment at a later stage or after they began having breathing difficulties.

“We have tried the drug and it is also part of a joint study with the World Health Organization called ‘Solidarity Trial’ involving many other countries,“ he added.

He said besides those medicines, studies would also focus on the latest drug, ‘Remdesivir’ as announced yesterday.

“This is only for research, and drugs that we have used off-label such as Lopinavir and Ritonavir, those we have been using since the first wave,“ he added. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/chloroquine-used-to-treat-covid-19-patients-since-first-wave-health-dg-FJ2193799

Views: 0

March 29, 2020
Covid-19: Seven districts in Sarawak are red zones, says Uggah

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) announces that seven districts in the state are Covid-19 red zones (hotspots), today.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (pix), who is also the committee’s chairman, said the city of Kuching had the most hotspots with 69 areas.

“This is followed by Samarahan with 16 areas, Miri (nine), Betong (six), Limbang (six) and Bintulu (five),” he told a press conference on the development of Covid-19 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here, today.

Uggah said six districts were listed as yellow zones, namely, Serian (three), Sibu (three) while Mukah, Matu, Lawas and Simunjan had one area each.

He said the state government has decided that offshore oil and gas employees, including from outside Sarawak, must undergo a 14-day quarantine in the state before going to the oil rigs.

“In addition, the committee is also not allowing movements between districts and exemptions are only given to emergency cases with approval from the respective district offices,” he said.

Uggah said Sarawak recorded 11 new positive Covid-19 cases today, boosting the total number of cases in the state to 129 cases, since the first case on March 13, 2020.

“These 11 new cases are being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital, comprising six men and five women,” he added. – Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/covid-19-seven-districts-in-sarawak-are-red-zones-says-uggah-YJ2193771

Views: 0

March 29, 2020
7-Eleven staff member tested positive for Covid-19

PETALING JAYA: A staff of 7-Eleven Malaysia has tested positive for Covid-19 and is receiving medical attention at a government hospital.

7-Eleven Malaysia said the staff member was based at the 7-Eleven store in Jalan Bunus, Kuala Lumpur.

“Thorough sanitisation and deep cleansing of the store is being carried out and will remain closed until further notice,“ it said in a statement.

“All those in direct contact with the affected staff member have been placed under home quarantine until the appropriate medical clearance is given by the authorities.”

7-Eleven also said that it is carrying out detailed contact tracing along with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to identify and inform those who had close contact with the affected staff, as well as investigate where the staff member might have contracted it from.

“We would like to assure that preventive measures across our operations to curb the spread of Covid-19 has already been implemented, including regular sanitization of our stores, enhanced personal hygiene protocols for our staff members and social distancing measures in-store for customers, among others as the safety and well-being of our customers and staff members are of the utmost importance to us,” it added.

It is monitoring the situation closely and further updates will be provided, For any further queries, contact: marketing@7eleven.com.my, it added.

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/7-eleven-staff-member-tested-positive-for-covid-19-AJ2193640

Views: 0

March 29, 2020
Malaysia receives medical equipment supply from China

PUTRAJAYA: Backed by a strong relationship between the two countries, China showed its empathy to Malaysia in combating an invisible enemy, Covid-19, by contributing a consignment of medical equipment.

The consignment consisted of 100,000 units of n-Cov PCR test kits, 100,000 pieces of N95 Medical Protective Face Masks, 500,000 pieces of 3-ply surgical masks, 50,000 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 200 units of ventilators.

The consignment was handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, at Wisma Putra here today.

Hishammuddin expressed Malaysia’s deep appreciation for the invaluable support of the Chinese government which clearly reflected the strong partnership between the two countries.

“This is an extraordinary contribution by a country to Malaysia, showing the close friendship, solidarity and consideration both Malaysia and China share.

“To China, it is my promise that Malaysia will make full use of these items and they will be immediately handed over to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) so that our frontliners who have worked tirelessly will be prioritised in their distribution,“ Hishammuddin said at a press conference after the handover ceremony, here today.

He said, prior to today’s donation, Malaysia had received multiple donations from various provincial governments, non-government organisations, business community and individuals from China.

Meanwhile, Bai Tian said the Chinese government had paid very special attention when Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Hishammuddin expressed their worries about the lack of medical needs in Malaysia, and had succeeded in raising the most urgently-needed medical materials for this country.

“As a good neighbour and close friend of Malaysia, China feels how Malaysia feels, because in the past two months, China had also gone through a strenuous battle against Covid-19.

“The Chinese government and people will never forget how the Malaysian government and people had extended their helping hands during our darkest hours in the battle against Covid-19,“ he said.

Bai Tian said the batch of medical supplies had arrived in Malaysia, and hoped that these materials would help in the fight of the Malaysian government and people against the epidemic.

Besides medical supply, Bai Tian said China would also offer the support of a Covid-19 medical expert team from China, which could come here and work hand in hand with their Malaysian colleagues.

When asked how many and when would the doctors from China arrive here, Bai Tian said it all depended on the request from Malaysia.

“We want to know the actual need on the ground from the hospitals in Malaysia because we have experts from different areas like infection diseases, respiratory and ICU Cares.

“We are ready to offer the best practises and knowledge,“ he said. — Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/malaysia-receives-medical-equipment-supply-from-china-HH2191669

Views: 0

March 28, 2020
Govt needs over RM50m to bring back Malaysians from US, UK, says Hishammuddin

PUTRAJAYA: The government will need more than RM50 million to bring back Malaysians from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) if the two countries implemented travel restrictions, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (pix) today.

Therefore, he said those who are still in both countries and wish to come back should fly home now while commercial flights are still available as well as to avoid unnecessary complications later.

“Don’t wait until there is a lockdown in these two countries, and then come running to the government and Wisma Putra to ask for help bringing them back,” he told reporters after witnessing the handover of medical equipment from the Chinese government to Malaysia here today.

Hishammuddin outlined two issues that the government had to face in addressing the Malaysians stranded overseas problem.

“First, the lockdown in the host country. That can only be resolved (through) G-to-G (Government-to-Government (effort), and that can only happen if Wisma Putra has strong bilateral ties with these countries,” he said.

“Second problem (is), even if we have the landing rights and we have the agreement from the (foreign) governments to allow our planes to come in, we need an allocation to charter planes and the amount is not small,“ he added.

Hishammuddin further added that in the case of bringing back Malaysians from the US, Wisma Putra estimated some RM50 million was needed to fund the initiative.

“That RM50 million could be spent on buying equipment, medication for Malaysians in need. So please understand, Malaysians who are overseas, that (the issue) is not just about allocation.

“Come home now if you want to come home, don’t come home after the lockdown is implemented as the numbers (of Malaysians) in the US, especially, is huge,“ he said.

It was reported that US recorded over 100,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases as of yesterday. — Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/govt-needs-over-rm50m-to-bring-back-malaysians-from-us-uk-says-hishammuddin-NH2191582

Views: 0

March 28, 2020
Gardenia increases production by 5% to meet high demand

SHAH ALAM: Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn. Bhd has increased its production to 2.2 million loaves of bread a day through its five factories operating 24 hours a day.

Its senior general manager Desmond Tan said the production was a five per cent increase in total production before the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“This supply is able to meet 60% of the demand for bread from all over Peninsular Malaysia, other bread brands have also been in high demand since the Movement Control Order was implemented,“ he said after welcoming Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), Datuk Rosol Wahid who visited the factory here today.

He said despite the increase in bread production, it has always complied with standards set including aspects of cleanliness, delivery and date of expiry.

In the meantime, Rosol has agreed that retailers carry out their own limited bakery purchases according to the needs of their localities so as to look after the welfare of others. — Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/gardenia-increases-production-by-5-to-meet-high-demand-HH2191559

Views: 0

March 28, 2020
Stimulus package will flow over the three months, says Azmin

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (pix) said today that the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package is to cushion the adverse impact caused by Covid-19 on the population’s well-being.

The Prihatin Rakyat package was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday (Friday).

According to the senior minister, the situation would simply deteriorate without any form of assistance: “Companies won’t be able to operate and have no choice but to retrench their workers. We have to resort to this (stimulus), to save these workers and help employers not to dismiss them.”

“But I am confident that this package is not just about three months but will bring about manifold benefits for the future in economic activities and growth,” he said.

He said this in a programme, Bicara Naratif Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi that was telecast live today by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

“As we are aware, the world is facing a difficult situation and Malaysia is no exception in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown.

“Malaysia as an oil producing country is also impacted by falling oil prices. Hence, why we must restructure the country and take the bold step of introducing the RM250 billion stimulus package.

“Our hope is that when the movement control order (MCO) period is over, we can see a situation that is more reassuring,” he said.

Azmin revealed that the Finance Ministry has prepared a module and specifics to all the ministries, in line with their respective responsibilities, on the disbursement of assistance to the target groups, which would be monitored by the Economic Stimulus Package Implementation and Coordination of National Agencies Unit (Laksana).

“We have complete data on the recipients from the B40 and small and medium enterprises (SME).

“As for the M40, we have some setbacks as I mentioned earlier, the government had given less priority to the category. That’s probably the reason why we do not have the complete data but this will be seen to so they too can have their right to assistance,” he added. — Bernama

Read More
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/stimulus-package-will-flow-over-the-three-months-says-azmin-XH2191514

Views: 0

March 28, 2020