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Covid-19: Sabah issues new directives today

KOTA KINABALU: In an effort to curb Covid-19 outbreak, the Sabah government issued several more new directives today including a 14-day quarantine order at designated centres for individuals and students from overseas who entered the state directly.

State secretary Datuk Safar Untong said students and individuals who came back to Sabah from other states during the Movement Control Order (MCO) would be issued a stay-home notice and required to do self-quarantine at home for 14 days.

“Sabah Covid-19 Command Centre today also wants to inform that food aid distribution to groups who are directly affected by the pandemic, has begun from 3pm yesterday.

“A big portion of this aid is expected to reach the target group by today, while the rest would be handed over soon,” he said in a statement here.

Safar said the one-off RM500 special aid allowance to the poor and hardcore poor would be paid via online starting today by the district offices.

“For those without bank account, payment would be done by cash, while the RM300 one-off assistance to the B40 group or badly affected groups namely taxi drivers, farmers, fishermen, breeders, mountain guides and porters, as well as freelance tour guides, would be credited into to their respective accounts starting today,” he said.

Safar added that for vulnerable groups such as elders, orphans, and the disabled, involving 62,638 people and single mothers (6,500) in the state, the RM300 would be credited beginning tomorrow. – Bernama

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March 26, 2020
Country’s clinical waste increases by 17% since Covid-19

PUTRAJAYA: Clinical waste at various medical facilities has increased by 17% since early February, in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, said Environment Minister Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pix).

He said the Department of Environment (DOE) had a comprehensive clinical waste management system (SW404 scheduled waste) in which all clinical waste is separated first at hospitals and clinics, before being collected and transported by special vehicles for disposal in 12 incinerators nationwide.

At the moment, Tuan Ibrahim said, seven companies were licensed by the DOE to manage clinical waste from medical facilities (hospitals, clinics and medical institutions) – this comprises the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of such waste.

“Clinical waste management is controlled to ensure the waste is properly managed and does not cause harm to public health,” he said in a statement, here today.

Tuan Ibrahim said all treatment and disposal facilities of the seven companies were licensed under section 18 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and were subject to strict conditions stipulated in the DOE licence compliance schedule.

The companies are Radicare Sdn Bhd, Edgenta Mediserve Sdn Bhd, Medivest Sdn Bhd, Sedafiat Sdn Bhd and One Medicare Sdn Bhd, which are concessionaires appointed by the government through the Health Ministry to manage clinical waste from public medical facilities, while Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd and Future NRG Sdn Bhd manage all clinical waste from private hospitals and clinics.

“Treatment and disposal facilities are essential services that are allowed to operate during the imposition of the Movement Control Order,” he explained, adding that the illegal management and disposal of scheduled waste including clinical waste without a licence, was an offence under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act, which carries a penalty of a maximum of five years in jail and a fine of not more than RM500,000. – Bernama

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March 26, 2020
Muslims urged to perform hajat prayer simultaneously tomorrow

PUTRAJAYA: Muslims in Malaysia are encouraged to perform solat hajat (prayer of need) simultaneously in their respective homes after the Zohor prayer tomorrow in seeking protection and blessings in the face of the current situation in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had urged that he proposed a plan for the prayer to be performed simultaneously nationwide.

“After much contemplation I have decided that the appropriate date and time for the prayer to be held simultaneously by Muslims wherever they may be, is on Friday, March 27, after zohor prayer,“ he said in a statement today.

Instead of the congregational prayer this Friday, Zulkifli called on Muslims to increase their zikr adding that this is the time for them to turn back to Allah in forgiveness, repentance and supplication.

In another development Zulkifli said the application for aid to those affected by the Covid-19 outbreak regardless of their race, religion, state or political affiliation, has been simplified to expedite distribution.

In fact he said to facilitate submission of application to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council, the required documents could be sent via WhatsApp without having to go to the office.

“I would like to emphasise that the aid which include other provisions is not only extended to Muslims but also to others who are in need,” he said adding the quantum from the related agencies and the number of beneficiaries would be announced soon.

Zulkifli added that since the #MUSAADAHCOVID-19 mission started on March 19 to date, RM29.01 million have been spent on the vulnerable groups.

He said donations which were given to those living in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan as well as other states would continue until the MCO ruling ends,

The mission was the joint efforts of the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation, Federal Territory Zakat Collection Centre, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, Waqaf Foundation Malaysia and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department. – Bernama

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March 26, 2020
Nigeria’s Ex-Vice President, Atiku, Donates N50m To Coronavirus Fight

A former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has donated N50m in support of government’s effort at combating the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Atiku said that he believed the donation will help efforts towards curbing the spread of the pandemic.

He said, “As the Coronavirus pandemic ravages the world, I applaud the various Nigerian state governments who have proactively taken measures such as issuing stay at home orders, and shutting down non-essential markets and other places of mass gatherings, while also giving guidelines for social distancing.

“However, we must accept the fact that much of the Nigerian public have a subsistence existence. A large percentage of our people do not have the financial capacity to withstand long periods of self-isolation and even lockdown.

“It is, therefore, incumbent on the Federal and state governments to provide palliatives to the Nigerian people to enable them to survive, even as they abide by these necessary measures put in place for their own safety.

“To this end, Priam Group pledges N50m on my behalf as my humble contribution to a relief fund that will form part of the stimulus package.”

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March 26, 2020
Adamawa Governor Denies Refusal To Pay N32,000 New Minimum Wage

Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has debunked media reports claiming that his administration had backed down on paying the N32,000 new minimum wage.

The governor said that workers on Grade Level 1 to 6 had been paid their March salaries with the new minimum wage template.

A section of the mass media had on Tuesday quoted the government as saying the new minimum wage was suspended due to hardship caused by the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

Solomon Kumangar, Director General, Media and Communications to the governor, on Wednesday said only the consequential adjustment affecting workers from Level 7 to 17 was suspended temporarily.

He said, “Government wishes to draw the attention of the public to the regrettable misunderstanding arising from an earlier statement regarding the payment of March salaries without the consequential adjustment agreed upon by organised labour.

“As at now, workers have started receiving March salary alerts with the N32,000 minimum wage.

“It is only the consequential adjustment that the government was unable to implement due to the economic crunch imposed by the global pandemic Covid-19.”

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March 26, 2020
Sultan Nazrin consents to setting up of Special Zakat Distribution Fund

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah (pix) has consented to the Special Zakat Distribution Fund, involving RM11.95 million, to ease the burden of the people affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and assist efforts by various quarters in addressing the crisis.

Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) chief executive oficer Shahrul Azam Shaari said the special fund was set up by the council, with the cooperation of several of its strategic partners.

This special fund, involved RM11.11 million from the zakat allocation, RM30,000 from SP Setia Foundation chairman and RM800,000 in tithe from the corporate sector,“ he said in a statement here today.

He said Sultan Nazrin consented to the setting up of the fund so that it could be used to help those who are affected by the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended until April 14.

“Sultan Nazrin is concerned and aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has a direct impact on the lives of the people, especially among those with unstable income and those in the low-income group,“ he added.

Shahrul said the special fund would cover the cost of the Food Box Aid, involving RM240,000, which would be channeled through the Covid-19 Operations Room under the respective District and Land Offices tin the state.

He said RM5.8 million would be for the Emergency Survival Assistance, which is targeted for households earning RM2,000 and below whose income were affected due to either termination of employment, unpaid leave or other reasons.

A total of RM2 million is allocated for Special Capital Assistance to assist MAIPk traders, hawkers and entrepreneurs whose business were affected by the MCO; RM100,000 for management and welfare assistance to Perak students studying abroad and RM100, 000 to provide food supply to students at public and private institutions of higher learning in Perak who are still at their respective colleges, he added.

Shahrul said a special contribution of RM500,000 would be made to the Perak Health Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces and other agencies for the welfare of their Covid-19 frontline personnel.

RM1 million is for health and medical equipment to be donated to hospitals in Perak, RM1.5 million for purchase of medical equipment to combat Covid-19, like face masks, gloves and disinfectant to be distributed to mosques, suraus and the general public, and RM710,000 for contingency plan, he added. – Bernama

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March 25, 2020
Zulkifli proposes suspension of mosque, surau activities be extended

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) senator Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri (pix) has proposed for an extension to the suspension of all activities including Friday prayer, at mosques and surau until the Movement Control Order (MCO) period is over.

Zulkifli in a statement today said this was following a decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah for Muslims to perform the prayer in their homes to break the chain of Covid-19 infections.

“It is also in line with the Online Resolutions of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs’ Muzakarah (discussion) Committee members on March 20, 2020 which has agreed that the suspension be extended until March 31, 2020 or in accordance with any decision made by the Malaysian government from time to time,” he said in a statement today.

However, Zulkifli said it was up to the Islamic religious authorities in each state to decide on the matter adding that he hoped all Muslims would abide by the MCO directives.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the MCO period would be extended until April 14.

Meanwhile, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department director Mohd Ajib Ismail said Friday prayers as well as all mosque and surau activities in the Federal Territories have been suspended until the end of the MCO period. – Bernama

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March 25, 2020
558 Malaysians stranded in India brought home today

KUALA LUMPUR: Five hundred and fifty eight Malaysians flew home safely today from Chennai and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) in three special Air Asia aircraft, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar (pix).

In a statement, he said 186 Malaysians arrived at Kuala Lumpur international Airport 2 (klia2) from Chennai at 5.50am via flight AK-013.

Another 372 people returned from Trichy through flights AK-22 and AK-28 at 5am and 6.40am, respectively.

“The three Air Asia flights which brought home the Malaysians were fully sponsored by MIC. So far MIC has assisted the government to bring home 1,119 Malaysians stranded in India including three infants,” the statement said.

Kamaruddin also said all Malaysians who returned have to go through voluntary quarantine for 14 days as stipulated by the Health Ministry.

As of today, there are 1,679 Malaysians still stranded in India and the government is stepping up efforts to bring them home.

Meanwhile, Kamaruddin said 109 Malaysians stranded in Cambodia are expected to return at 9pm tonight via MAS flight MH763.

In this regard, six Cambodians who were stranded in Malaysia would be going home via MH762, which was arriving in Cambodia at 5.30pm.

“The effort is the result of the cooperation between Wisma Putra and the Cambodian government to looking the plight of citizens stranded each other’s country,” he said.

In the meantime, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council is urging the government to obtain the approval of the Indian government to bring back Malaysians who are still stranded in the country.

In a statement today, PH said the government has to talk with the Indian government on the matter.

“The situation was reported to be getting more complicated as the Indian government has imposed a three-week lockdown from yesterday.

“It is learned there were efforts to organise chartered flights to bring Malaysians who are stranded in Cochin (Kerala), Trichy and Chennai (Tamil Nadu) home,” the statement said. – Bernama

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March 25, 2020
Private hospitals urged to provide more assistance to govt hospitals

PETALING JAYA: Private hospitals are asked to put profits aside for now and in the name of service, support the Health Ministry in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) CEO Datuk Dr Paul Selvaraj said in this time of crisis, private hospitals, especially those run by government-linked companies, should give their utmost to assist the government given that public hospitals are called to treat the rising number of Covid-19 patients.

“Put service as priority and put aside profits for now,“ he told theSun today.

Suaram adviser Kua Kia Soong suggested that private hospitals step forward to take some of the burden off the public sector by providing some sort of subsidised charges or no cost at all. They should also help with cases which are not related to the viral pandemic, fill the need for special wards, offer intensive care unit space and equipment such as ventilators and oxygen supply.

“In the best of times, private hospitals reap the benefits of the much touted Malaysian product known as ‘medical tourism’ and attract the best medical talents from the public sector.

“Now that we are in the worst of times, private hospitals don’t seem to be doing too badly either.

“According to the Affin Hwang Capital Research, the coronavirus pandemic is likely to have only a muted impact on private hospital operators as they are required to report such cases to public hospitals and the national infection centre,“ Kua said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, in response to the many questions broached of late, president of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said they (private hospitals) have made available 51 ventilators to the Health Ministry.

“We will be accepting non Covid-19 cases from the Health Ministry hospitals too. Discussions on taking on cases are in the final stages,“ he said in a statement on Tuesday.

He also said the APHM and its member hospitals see this as an opportunity for the private hospitals to work with the Health Ministry and the government in facing this national crisis.

“We have the support of all private hospitals in cancelling electives and reducing non urgent consultation while some private hospitals have even started Covid-19 screening for walk-ins and drive-ins,“ he added.

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March 25, 2020
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