SoftBank Group said Monday it would sell up to $41 billion in assets to finance a stock buyback, reduce debts and increase its cash reserves after weeks of heavy losses in its shares.
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KOTA KINABALU: In a bid to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Sabah government has issued several new restrictions today including a 14-day quarantine at the nearest quarantine centres for all individuals arriving from abroad.
State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong said in line with the decision of the National Security Council yesterday, the state government would implement the move from tomorrow until March 31 for all individuals entering the state by air, sea, river and land.
“In addition, the inter-district public jetties will be closed to the public.
“The state government has decided that inter-district public jetties in Kudat, Sipitang, Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Tawau will be closed from March 22 to 31, except for emergency cases,” he said in a statement here today.
He said the state government had also ordered all districts to impose roadblocks with immediate effect.
“Thus far, only 17 districts have implemented roadblocks to reduce the movement of vehicles carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police and the Road Transport Department,” he said. — Bernama
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KANGAR: Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail (pix) has decreed that the people in Perlis strictly abide by the movement control order (MCO) because a failure to do so may cause the order to be further extended.
“We should only leave our homes with valid reasons,“ he said in reference to the MCO which was adopted to help the country reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
In a statement, Tuanku Faizuddin said the people should unhesitatingly adhere to the MCO until it expires.
“We need to be responsible and committed with a first-class mentality in our actions to stick by the government’s directive.”
The Regent urged his subjects not to be stubborn or lackadaisical because it will impact society, the state and country in a negative light.
“We do not want the MCO to be extended in view that the cases may rise even more.”
His royal message was aired by the state religious affairs council here on Saturday.
Perlis has recorded nine Covid-19 cases so far.
Tuanku Faizuddin, who is the president of the state religious affairs council, said that people should only exit their houses if they need to purchase food, groceries, and for healthcare needs.
They should not leave the state unless they possess valid reasons.
Tuanku Faizuddin noted with dismay that after three days of enforcing the MCO, there are still a number of people who are disobeying the directive, thus forcing the army to be called in.
“I hope everyone understands the need to strictly abide by the order so we can reduce the pandemic impact as soon as possible. But if we stray, we are only inviting a possible curfew to be implemented. We still have choices.”
Meanwhile, the council’s chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor said that all mosque and surau activities have been deferred until the MCO is lifted.
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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/perlis-regent-tells-people-to-abide-by-mco-YA2165616
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Telecommunication providers are taking positive steps to meet consumers’ demands in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the National Broadband Network (NBN Co) is being urged to reduce its wholesale broadband charges for these providers.
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Netflix will reduce the quality of its streaming in Europe to ease pressure on the internet, the firm said, as demand soars across the continent where millions are confined to their homes over coronavirus fears.
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Researchers have designed a new chip-based device that can shape and steer blue light with no moving parts. The device could greatly reduce the size of light projection components used for augmented reality and a variety of other applications.
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PETALING JAYA: Please, stay at home and protect yourself and your family.
This was the ultimate message by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to all Malaysians in his special address tonight as the country enters its second day of the 14 days restriction of movement order (RMO).
Muhyiddin explained that the goal of the movement restrictions was to minimise exposure to the Covid-19 virus, after many among the public disregarded the order to travel to their hometowns, while others were spotted in public areas.
“The reason of the RMO is so that all of you need not travel. You don’t have to crowd the trains and buses or eateries, and your children are not required to go to school, which could expose them (to the virus).
“I plead to you, please, stay put where you are. I plead, just for this two weeks … stay at home quietly,” he said.
Muhyiddin said it was pertinent that Malaysians adhere to the RMO to break the chain of infection and ultimately reduce the number of those infected with the novel coronavirus.
He reminded the public that the virus could be transmitted from person to person through touch, and that if they continue to travel around, the chances of them contracting Covid-19 was higher.
He added that the reason the RMO was set to two weeks was because the Covid-19 has an incubation period of 14 days.
“The government is hoping that after this period, those still with symptoms can be identified and separated for treatment, and finally make Malaysia free of Covid-19.
“If during this period we are not successful, the government may be forced to extend the restriction order,” he said.
Muhyiddin said while the concept of staying home and avoiding public places looked simple in principle, this was particularly important if the country wishes to contain the virus.
He also urged those who need to move around to purchase essential daily items to practise good hygiene and avoid any physical contact with others.
“As a prime minister, I have a huge responsibility to handle the crisis. But I can’t possibly do it alone. I need all of your help. God willing, we can overcome this crisis together,” he said.
To date, 790 people have been infected by the Covid-19, with 117 new cases recorded today. Two Malaysians died to the virus on Tuesday.
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To really reduce the potential coronavirus death toll, modelling suggests that the UK needs to bring in stricter social distancing and perhaps close schools
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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
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.
.tmb-1200v.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=84087804_6 "ICC-WHO Joint Statement: An unprecedented private sector call to action to tackle COVID-19 17")
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