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Singapore entry: Work pass holders from Malaysia must get prior approval from MOM

SINGAPORE: All new and existing work pass holders, including dependants, planning to enter Singapore from Malaysia, are required to obtain the approval from the republic’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before they commence their journey.

In its website, the ministry said upon arrival in Singapore, all affected work pass holders will be placed on a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN).

“When applying for entry approval, employers will be required to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable housing premises for these employees and have made appropriate arrangements for food for the duration of their SHN,” it said.

The ministry also advised the employers to inform their affected employees, including their dependents, not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been received from MOM.

“The employers will be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in (if travelling by air) and at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore,” the statement said.

However, those conveying essential services, or supplies – lorry drivers, vegetable supply truckers, frozen supply truckers – via land and sea crossings will be exempted from MOM’s entry approval and SHN requirements.

This is following the Singapore-Malaysia Special Working Committee which has agreed that the transport of all types of goods between Malaysia and Singapore will be facilitated during the duration of Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO), it said.

The MCO period has been extended to April 14, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced today. – Bernama

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March 25, 2020
Thank you PDRM, says PM Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today expressed his gratitude to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), saying that he was proud of the force that has been ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the country.

The Prime Minister said the sacrifice of the country’s security forces could be seen especially in the current situation of the Covid-19 outbreak.

PDRM, he said, had ensured smooth implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“Certainly it requires a great deal of sacrifice and commitment so that our country will continue to be a peaceful and safe nation,“ he said in a special message in conjunction with the 213th Police Day celebration, here tonight.

Muhyiddin also prayed for Allah SWT to reward PDRM personnel for all their deeds and sacrifices.

“Once again, I thank you and wish all of you Happy Police Day,” he said.

The 213th Police Day will be celebrated on a new date nationwide, maintaining the theme ‘Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada’. – Bernama

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March 24, 2020
Motac to introduce new campaign to replace VM2020

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) will introduce a new campaign to replace the Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) campaign, which was cancelled following the Covid-19 situation.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the long-term campaign would capitalise on the ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ brand while highlighting the country’s unique experiences.

“Motac is confident that this effort will strengthen the country’s competitiveness and sustainability in tourism while ensuring the industry is inclusive,“ she said in a statement today.

On March 18, Nancy announced the immediate cancellation of VM2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19, in addition to the impact of the outbreak, which had affected the local and international tourism sector.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, Nancy said tourism industry players such as hoteliers, travel agents as well as food and beverage businesses suffered an estimated losses of RM9 billion in the first quarter of the year.

As such she said, after discussing with the industry players on March 17, it was decided that a strategic action plan should be introduced.

“Motac has put in place an action plan to help revitalise the industry and ensure the well-being of Malaysians whose livelihoods depend on this industry.

“Among those present were representatives of the associations from the hotel and tourism industry, bus operators, traders, tour guides and taxi drivers. The meeting was organised by the Tourism Recovery Action Council (TRAC),“ she added.

Nancy said Motac would discuss with the Ministry of Finance and related agencies, in looking into details tabled by the tourism industry players especially on the forms of assistance that could be channeled to the industry. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/motac-to-introduce-new-campaign-to-replace-vm2020-NX2176593

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March 24, 2020
Rohingya who attended tabligh gathering urged to go for screening

KUALA LUMPUR: To contain further spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia, Mercy Malaysia today called on the Rohingya ethnic group who were at the Ijtimak Tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling Mosque from Feb 28 to March 1, to come forward for Covid-19 screening.

Programme Operations general manager Mohammad Said Alhudzari Ibrahim said it is estimated that about 500 Rohingya people had joined the tabligh gathering and some of them have been identified.

He said though some have undergone health screening, others have refused to do so as they feared they would be arrested by the authorities should they report themselves for the testing.

So far, no Covid-19 positive cases have been identified from among this group.

“For those who are afraid to come for screening, Mercy Malaysia will contact the nearest District Health Office for further action, once we have the information,“ he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohammad Said Alhudzari said in tracking down the Rohingya Muslims, Mercy Malaysia was working in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMARET), Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA), National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (Tzu Chi).

He said should any of the Rohingya people is found to be Covid-19 positive, Mercy Malaysia would ensure that their family members are quarantined and food aid would be given to them.

“Money raised for the Covid-19 Pandemic Fund launched on March 18, will be used for this purpose,” he added. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/rohingya-who-attended-tabligh-gathering-urged-to-go-for-screening-BX2176366

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March 24, 2020
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
Renewal of expiring road tax and driving licence exempted during MCO period

KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicle owners whose road tax or driving licence expires from today can breathe easy as the Transport Ministry has exempted their renewal until the movement control order (MCO) is lifted.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said today the renewal exemption was applicable to driver’s licence, motor vehicle licence or road tax and vocational licences (GDL & PSV).

However, he said although the renewal of road tax is exempted, it is compulsory for the vehicles to have insurance coverage.

Wee said the renewal of expired road tax and driver’s licence will only be required to be done within 30 days after the MCO is declared over or called off.

“Prior to this, motorists were asked to renew their driving licence online. With this special exemption, we advise motorists to carry a copy of their motor insurance policy or e-cover note when they choose to drive during the MCO period. Those with an expired driving licence can still drive as long as the vehicle is covered with valid insurance,” he said.

Wee said the same exemptions are applicable to commercial vehicles and commercial vehicle drivers.

“With this exemption, the need for a health report for those who hold a Goods Driver’s Licence (GDL) and a Puspakom vehicle inspection approval for commercial vehicle owners no longer arises. They only need to ensure the vehicle is covered with motor insurance,” he said.

Wee said between today and March 31, the GDL validity of 2,753 commercial vehicle drivers will expire.

He said his ministry is aware of the setback faced by the public in the renewal of license and road tax during the MCO period and the decision to offer the exemptions were made after dicussions with relevant parties including the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) and Takaful Malaysia.

“Most importantly, it is to ensure the supply chain of essential goods especially food for the masses is unaffected throughout the MCO period. I would like to advice drivers and their assistant drivers to be watchful of their health throughout the time they are carrying out their duties in the frontline. Your service is very meaningful to the people and country during these trying times.” he said.

He said those who wish to make enquiries or lodge complaint can do so at, email: aduan@mot.gov.my , or WhatsApp ke 0192907723.

Hotline : 1800-88-7723 (8am-8pm) or contact the National Security Council operations centre 03-88882010

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March 24, 2020
Covid-19 test: No charges for foreigners at public clinics, hospitals

PUTRAJAYA: Foreigners who appear for Covid-19 tests at clinics and public hospitals will not be charged, according to Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said the decision was in line with the circular issued by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) on Jan 29.

“If the foreigners come to the MOH clinic or hospital for non-Covid-19 diseases, they will be charged the set fee.

“(However) for Covid-19 related illnesses, as per the circular dated Jan 29, fees will not be charged, regardless of whether one is poor or rich,“ he said during a press conference on Covid-19, here today.

The government had previously urged foreigners in the country to come forward and conduct Covid-19 screening tests to determine their health status following the rise in the number of positive cases reported.

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said all the participants of the tabligh programme which took place at the Sri Petaling Mosque recently have been urged to undergo Covid-19 tests even though they showed no symptoms.

He said this was due to the spike in the number of positive cases reported from the cluster.

“If according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only those with symptoms should be tested, but that was in the past. We have now agreed that even those members who show no symptoms will undergo Covid-19 tests,“ he said.

He was commenting on allegations that there were members of the tabligh group who had been to health facilities several times but had not been tested for Covid-19.

Dr Noor Hisham said of the 6,700 participants who had undergone the test, 940 were found positive for Covid-19, which accounts for about 62% of the 1,518 positive cases in the country so far.

On whether the MOH would propose to the government to extend the Movement Control Order period which is set to expire on March 31, or impose a ‘total lockdown’ following the rise in the number of deaths due to the disease, he said the ministry’s main focus currently was to enhance capacity and expertise, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He said if the death rate were to be taken as a yardstick, the current rate used worldwide was 4.5% of the total number of cases, and in Malaysia, there were 1,518 cases so far.

This could mean there was a possibility of about 60 cases resulting in death, however, he said the current death toll in Malaysia stood at only 14.

The MCO was implemented by the government from March 18 to 31 to curb the spread of Covid-19. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/covid-19-test-no-charges-for-foreigners-at-public-clinics-hospitals-JC2172685

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March 23, 2020
Thermal scanners set up to screen departing passengers at KLIA main terminal

KUALA LUMPUR: All passengers departing from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) main terminal will now undergo body temperature screening through the use of thermal scanners placed before the check-in areas.

The screening for departing passengers runs from today until further notice, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), which operates KLIA as well as 38 other airports in the country.

“This is one of our many efforts to combat the Covid-19 outbreak and ensure the safety of all passengers and the airport community,” MAHB said in its social media postings.

It said the scanners are placed between the entrance to check-in counters B and C, as well as counters H and I.

Only departing passengers, staff and crew with a body temperature below 37.5 degrees Celcius are allowed to pass through the screening point into the check-in areas, the airport operator said.

“No senders and greeters will be allowed into the check-in areas. Exceptions will be given for one guardian of children or passengers needing special assistance,” it said.

A person who is denied entry needs to inform the respective airline and is recommended to immediately go to the clinic or hospital for a health check, MAHB added. – Bernama

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March 23, 2020
King expresses sadness, concern about healthcare workers infected with Covid-19

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed his sadness and concern over the news that several healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and private healthcare facilities have been infected with Covid-19.

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said Al-Sultan Abdullah was extremely concerned about the situation as the healthcare workers were the frontliners who have spent most of their time and energy to help contain the pandemic.

“As at March 21, the MOH has confirmed that 19 of its staff and five from the private healthcare facilities have been infected with Covid-19, while as at noon today, 212 new positive Covid-19 cases were reported, bringing the total to 1,518.

“Two of the 19 MOH staff are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) and investigations found that all of them were close contacts to the first and second generations of the tabligh clusters,” he said in a statement here today.

As of March 22, a total of 460 MOH healthcare workers had been tested negative for Covid-19, while the remaining 190 were awaiting results.

As of this afternoon, MOH confirmed that the Covid-19 total deaths in Malaysia stood at 14.

Ahmad Fadil said in this regard, His Majesty called on the people to be honest and truthful with health personnel in giving information about their travel history and close contacts to determine the source of infection thus containing the spread of the disease.

“It is important to be honest when undergoing the screening as the information given is vital to the MOH. This will also prevent MOH frontline personnel from getting infected.

“Al-Sultan Abdullah also urged those who had close contacts with confirmed Covid-19 cases and had developed symptoms of the disease to immediately go the nearest government health facilities for examination. Don’t take symptoms lightly,” he said.

Ahmad Fadil said the King also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifice, commitment and dedication of Covid-19 frontliners including personnel of MOH, government agencies as well as private healthcare facilities.

“His Majesty hopes that all of them will continue to remain resilient in carrying out their responsibilities for the safety of the people and our beloved country,” he added.

Al-Sultan Abdullah reiterated his advice for the people to comply with the Movement Control Order and follow the guidelines issued by the MOH to end the pandemic.

His Majesty also conveyed his condolences to family members of those who have died of Covid-19 and called on Malaysians to continue praying so that the Covid-19 situation can be tackled as soon as possible. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/king-expresses-sadness-concern-about-healthcare-workers-infected-with-covid-19-IC2172129

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March 23, 2020
Thailand closes nine border checkpoints to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Thai government has closed nine border checkpoints to Malaysia until further notice to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs), in a statement here, said that the Thai Ambassador to Malaysia, Narong Sasitorn has notified the South-East Asian division secretary at the Foreign Ministry today.

“All nine Thai-Malaysian checkpoints via land and sea have been closed and the border closure is also implemented at all Thai border checkpoints with Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

“During the closure period, all Thai nationals and foreigners are barred from entering or exiting Thailand via land or sea,“ the Customs Department added.

Thai nationals and Malaysians are only allowed to return to their respective countries by air.

Meanwhile, only one land or sea checkpoints in each designated territory bordering Malaysia will be opened for the transporting of goods across Thai borders.

Other stringent rules included allowing only one Malaysian driver in each heavy vehicle on land while only five crew members are allowed in a boat to transport goods by sea.

However, the drivers and boat crews will only be allowed to enter after the mandatory health screening at the border. – Bernama

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March 23, 2020