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Police will take subtle approach in enforcing movement control order (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities will take a soft approach in enforcing the restriction of movement nationwide to allow Malaysians to adapt to the changes in their daily routine.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said today that while there are provisions under the Penal Code which empower police to act on those who defy orders and isolation rules, police would take a subtle approach in the early stages of the exercise.

He said in the two-week restriction of movement, police hope the people will play their role in strictly observing the law by self-imposing isolation without the need of police enforcement.

“This is not a curfew. It is just a move to control movement. If the laws are not being adhered to then we will first advise, then warn and finally action will be taken. We hope everyone will cooperate or else the whole purpose of this exercise will be defeated,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman, after attending a high-powered meeting in Putrajaya with the National Security Council, military and other agencies.

Abdul Hamid said those who plan interstate travel are required to notify the nearest police station of the purpose of their journey.

He said the traveller will need to have a valid and urgent purpose of making such a trip before police consider issuing an approval letter.

“This is to limit movement of people and to contain the spread of the virus. Please be responsible and not selfish. If there is no urgent need to travel then stay indoors. We seek your understanding in these difficult times. Do not make unnecessary travel or take family holidays.”

Abdul Hamid said random checks will be conducted by police on motorists travelling from state to state to ascertain if they had obtained the necessary travel permit from police.

Abdul Hamid said interstate travel would only be allowed for :

– the demise of a close family member

– the ill-health of a family member

– medical treatment for one’s self or family member

He said those who wish to seek approval for the travel for other reasons may discuss the matter with the officer-in-charge of station (OCS).

Those who fail to produce the travel document during police checks can face action under laws of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and Penal Code where the penalty is imprisonment up to two years or a fine or both.

He added that traffic police counters for settling traffic summonses will be closed during the two-week period until March 31.

He said those who intend to pay their fines urgently to renew their driving licence or road tax due to being blacklisted can do so online.

Abdul Hamid said if they are unable to pay fines online, they can seek the assistance of the district police chief or his deputy in their respective areas.

On another matter, Abdul Hamid said the police force is yet to have any positive cases of Covid-19.

However, he said seven senior police officers, 34 junior officers, two civilian staff and 11 of their family members have been placed in self-quarantine after being suspected of exposure to the virus.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/police-will-take-subtle-approach-in-enforcing-movement-control-order-updated-FC2141052

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March 17, 2020
M’sians in Thailand rush home to beat movement control order deadline

BANGKOK: Many Malaysians working or on holiday in Thailand scrambled to book the next flight to Malaysia after a two-week nationwide movement control order from March 18 was announced in the country due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Many Malaysians rushed to airports early morning to make sure they got back home by today to avoid being slapped with the 14 day self-quarantine under the order.

An employee based in Pattaya, Low Ban Ching, travelled about 150km to Bangkok today just to catch the next flight back to Malaysia.

“I read messages from friends and family members back home about the movement control order.

“I realised I need to be back in Malaysia by today, if not, I have to undergo health checks and self-quarantine for 14 days.

“Luckily, I managed to book a ticket from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur,” he told Bernama when met at the Suvarnabhumi Airport today.

Meanwhile, a project-based employee who only wanted to be known as Kah Yee, said she decided to fly home as the movement control order created uncertainty for travellers.

“I’m not sure whether there will be another extension after March 31. I made a quick decision to fly home today to beat the deadline,” she said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had declared that Malaysia would be placed under nationwide movement control order from March 18-31 March due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Muhyiddin said it also involves a comprehensive restriction on all Malaysians travelling abroad with those returning from overseas required to undergo a health check and to self-quarantine for 14 days.

The restriction also covers the entry of all foreign tourists and visitors into the country and also bars Malaysians from leaving the country.

A businessman, who goes by the name of Thomas, 56, said he decided to bring forward his return ticket to get home before the deadline.

“I want to be home before the order goes into effect … I prefer to go back to Malaysia,” he said.

For Australian couple, Rosemary and David, who will transit in Kuala Lumpur before flying to Sydney said they decided to fly before March 18.

“We read about Malaysia’s movement control orders. We are not sure whether it will affect our flight.

“We do not want to take any risks so we are flying home early,” he said. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/m-sians-in-thailand-rush-home-to-beat-movement-control-order-deadline-DC2141261

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March 17, 2020
King decrees all Malaysians to obey movement control order

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (pix) today decreed all Malaysians to obey the movement control order announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday and to give full cooperation in containing the spread of Covid-19 infections in the country.

The order will take effect from tomorrow until March 31.

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said His Majesty, nevertheless, said that the people should face the situation calmly to help the government and the relevant authorities tackle the situation effectively.

“His Majesty urges the people not to take the movement control lightly. The people were also asked to follow the guidelines and preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health because this is our mutual responsibility to ensure safety and wellbeing of our families, our communities and our beloved country,” he said in a statement issued by Istana Negara today.

He said Al-Sultan Abdullah also viewed seriously the rising number of positive Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, which was recorded at 553 yesterday and had placed his full trust in the government and the authorities to discharge their duties in containing the spread of the disease.

Ahmad Fadil said His Majesty was well aware that the people might feel that the action taken by the Perikatan Nasional government had made it difficult for them to go about their daily activities.

“However, we must try to understand and be patient because the government cannot wait for the situation to become more critical to take drastic action.

“As the Head of State, His Majesty also called on all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, to stay united and play their parts to help the government in containing the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

“His Majesty believes that with the strong spirit, concern and cooperation from the people, we will be able to contain the spread of the disease quickly and effectively,” he said.

Ahmad Fadil said Al-Sultan Abdullah also decreed all Malaysians to refer to the Online Health Advisory Service or the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) via the Ministry of Health’s website to find the answers to all their doubts and questions so as to prevent the spread of fake news and false information that may cause panic and confusion among themselves.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also expressed appreciation and thanks to the government under the leadership of Muhyiddin, government agencies and most of all to the unsung heroes, the medical staff and healthcare personnel, the civil servants and all the others who have sacrificed their time and energy in ensuring that all preventive measures and control of the infectious disease were being implemented efficiently.

“His Majesty also called on all Muslims to join him to pray to Allah SWT so that all our efforts be blessed and so that the COVID-19 situation can be tackled and put to end as soon as possible. InsyaAllah,” he said. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/king-decrees-all-malaysians-to-obey-movement-control-order-YD2140919

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March 17, 2020
PN govt faces difficult economic situation, says Saifuddin Nasution

PETALING JAYA: The government may face an uphill task trying to recover the country’s economy due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution (pix) pointed out that the previous Pakatan Harapan administration had based the country’s 2020 Budget on the crude oil price of US$62 (RM269) per barrel.

However, he noted that the global virus outbreak has caused oil price to plummet by half to around US$30 (RM130) per barrel.

Saifuddin said this, coupled with the expected tax collection when the budget was announced in October, meant the government’s revenue could be far below than initially predicted.

“Basing on the oil price alone, we could lose about RM10 billion in potential revenue. This does not yet include incomes from the various other sectors.

“Based on my experience being in the Cabinet, I would say that the government’s financial situation now is very complicated,” he told a press conference that was streamed on Facebook today.

Saifuddin was asked to comment if he believed the government has the financial strength to provide RM600 for up to six months to any Malaysian forced to go on unpaid leave due to Covid-19, as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The PKR secretary-general said the financial assistance would only make up a small portion of the government’s spending, reminding the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration that it still has debt commitments.

“If they don’t pay according to schedule, it will affect our country’s position from various ratings agencies.

“We may still be able to take up loans in the future, but then we will have to pay a higher interest rate,” he said.

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/pn-govt-faces-difficult-economic-situation-says-saifuddin-nasution-BC2141164

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March 17, 2020
Coronavirus: People in the UK must avoid unnecessary social contact

The UK dramatically ramped up its response to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak today, with prime minister Boris Johnson calling on the country to stop all non-essential contact with other people

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https://www.newscientist.com/article/2237619-coronavirus-people-in-the-uk-must-avoid-unnecessary-social-contact/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home

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March 17, 2020
Man detained for spitting in lift, causing public anxiety

GEORGE TOWN: An elderly man has been arrested for allegedly spitting on the buttons of a lift at a housing estate in Sungai Ara, Bayan Lepas near here, causing alarm amid fears of Covid-19.

Southwest district police chief Supt A. Anbalagan said the 63-year-old snooker centre employee surrendered himself at the Bayan Lepas police station after a video of the abhorrent act went viral and was slammed by netizens.

“At 7.25pm yesterday a teacher lodged a police report after receiving the viral video on WhatsApp. The Penang City Council (MBPP) and Health Ministry have been urged to clean up the lift and examine the man,“ he said here today.

He said the man had undergone a health screening.

“So far he showed no signs of Covid-19 infection and a urine drug test also came out negative,” he added.

Anbalagan said the man had admitted to committing the act and police were completing the investigation papers for the case to be investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.

Meanwhile, Anbalagan called on the public to cooperate by not resorting to acts that could aggravate fears and anxiety at a time when Covid-19 has been declared a pandemic. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/man-detained-for-spitting-in-lift-causing-public-anxiety-IC2136875

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March 16, 2020
`Tikus` caught, brothers sought for shooting construction supervisor

SIBU: A 47-year-old man involved in the shooting of a construction supervisor in front of a restaurant in Paradom, about 14 km from here yesterday afternoon, has been arrested by police.

The suspect known as Tie Teck Ming who goes by the nickname ‘Tikus’, was held by a team from the Sibu Criminal Investigation Department in the Sungai Bidut area, nearly 17 km from the scene today.

“We are currently questioning (the suspect) and will get a remand order against him tomorrow,“ said Sibu District police chief Stanley Jonathan Ringgit when met at the Central Police Station here.

Two of the suspects’ brothers, aged 43 and 46, are still at large.

Asked if the suspect was mentally disturbed as reported in a newspaper yesterday or under the influence of drugs, Stanley said the suspect showed no signs of mental impairment.

However, he said the suspect may have been under the influence of drugs when provoking the victim, which ended up causing a fight between them.

“During this period, we will be conducting a urine test on him,“ he added.

In the incident at about 5pm yesterday, the victim and his friend were at a restaurant before ‘Tikus’ came and caused a commotion.

A fistfight ensued, in which the suspect used a piece of wood to whack Tikus before the latter ran away with his younger brother Teck Hing, 43.

The two of them then returned to the scene with Teck Ha, 46, armed with a machete and shotgun, and the victim was shot and injured while trying to escape in his four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The victim later gave his statement to the police while receiving treatment at the Sibu Hospital.

Classifying the case under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, Stanley urged those with information on the whereabouts of Tikus’ two brothers to immediately contact the police, and warned that the two were armed and dangerous. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/tikus-caught-brothers-sought-for-shooting-construction-supervisor-KC2136851

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March 16, 2020
Firemen take 12 hours to put out Pengerang blaze

KOTA TINGGI: The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) needed more than 12 hours to extinguish the blaze at the Pengerang Integrated Complex’s diesel hydro treating (DHT) unit last night.

Johor JBPM operations commander Pauzan Ahmad said this was because the blaze was too intense and the pressure from the DHT piping system was too strong.

“There were too many pipes at the scene, while those which were leaking were 15 feet high.

“So, we had to do some cooling first to stabilise the situation,” he told a press conference, here today.

Pauzan said that it was only when the pressure from the pipes began to subside that they were able to start searching for the victims and found the first body at 3.56am.

The second and third bodies were discovered at 4am, followed by the fourth (9.12am) and fifth (12.42pm).

“The fourth body was found on fourth level of the unit’s platform while the others were found on the ground floor,” he said.

He said, after that, they carried out “flushing” to remove any material inside the pipes before allowing the forensic team to go in and begin their investigations.

Meanwhile, he said the firefighting operation involved 107 officers and personnel from six Fire and Rescue Stations, including from Sebana Cove, Bandar Penawa, Pasir Gudang and Larkin. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/firemen-take-12-hours-to-put-out-pengerang-blaze-XC2136819

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March 16, 2020
Annuar Musa appointed BN sec-gen

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Annuar Musa (pix) has been appointed as the BN secretary-general to replace Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a statement, said this was decided at the BN Supreme Council meeting today, which retained Tengku Adnan as the BN treasurer.

“Datuk Mohamad Sahfri Ab Aziz will replace Senator Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad as the BN executive secretary,” he said. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/annuar-musa-appointed-bn-sec-gen-EC2136622

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March 16, 2020
Bung Moktar said Finance Minister recommended RM150m investment: Witness

KUALA LUMPUR: A member of the Felcra Berhad Board of Directors told the sessions court here today that Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin informed the then Finance Minister to recommend Felcra to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual Berhad Unit Trust in 2015.

Dr Habibah Suleiman, 72, said she did not know that the amount of investment sought was RM150 million as the sum approved at the board meeting was only RM50 million.

Bung Moktar was then the non-executive chairman of Felcra.

“The board did ask YB Datuk Bung Moktar about the difference in amount that was invested in the Public Mutual Trust Fund. YB Bung had stated that he took along a Felcra application letter to meet the Finance Minister for his approval. YB Bung told the board that the Finance Minister recommended to him to invest RM150 million.

“I assumed that he (Bung) had changed the amount of RM50 million to RM150 million after that recommendation,” she said during a key examination by deputy public prosecutor Roslan Mat Nor at a corruption case trial involving by Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar and his wife Datin Seri Zizie Ezette A. Samad.

The fifth prosecution witness said that based on the reply from the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MKD), it (MKD) had no objection to Felcra’s application to invest RM150 million.

“Other details (in the letter) also stated that the board of directors (Felcra) had to ensure that Felcra Berhad continuously monitored the investment’s performance so that early risk mitigation can be carried out in the event of any clear decline in the equity market,” she said.

She said a letter was submitted to the board after the investment had been made and the board also knew nothing about the amount (RM150 million).

Asked by Roslan as to when she first knew that the investment had been increased from RM50 million to RM150 milion, Habibah said “During the board of directors’ meeting in April 2005.”

Roslan: Why didn’t you object against the decision?

Habibah: The decision to raise the investment sum to RM150 million was made by the (then) Finance Minister, so who am I to object to it?

Lawyers M. Athimulan and Datuk K. Kumaraendran are representing Bung Moktar and Zizie Ezette, respectively.

According to the first charge, Bung Moktar, 60, who was at that time the non-executive chairman of Felcra, was accused of taking a bribe of RM2.2 million in cash from Public Mutual’s investment agent Madhi Abdul Hamid, 38, through his wife Zizie Ezette.

He was accused of committing the act as a reward for obtaining approval from the Minister of Finance II for Felcra to make a RM150 million investment in Public Mutual unit trust products.

The offence was allegedly committed at Public Bank Berhad, Taman Melawati Branch, No. 262-265, Jalan Bandar 12, Taman Melawati here, between 12.30pm and 5pm, on June 12, 2015.

For the second charge, Bung Moktar was accused of taking for himself a bribe of RM262,500 in cash from the same individual (Madhi) through an account of the bank’s investment product Public Islamic Treasures Growth Fund (PITGF) numbered 044797816 and registered under the name of Zizie Izette for the same purpose.

Bung Moktar was also accused of taking for himself a bribe of RM337,500 from Public Mutual’s investment agent, Norhaili Ahmad Mokhtar, 42, through a Public Ittikal Sequel Fund (PITSEQ) account numbered 044797824 registered under the name of Zizie Izette for the same purpose. Both offences were allegedly committed at the same location at 12.16pm and 12.28pm, on June 19, 2015.

The charges are framed under Subsection 17(a) of the MACC Act and punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act which provides for imprisonment of not more than 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000 whichever is higher, if convicted.

Zizie Izette, 41, a former actress, pleaded not guilty to three counts of abetting her husband on the same offences, at the same places, dates and times under Section 28(1)(c) of the MACC Act and punishable under subsection 24(1) which provides for imprisonment of not more than 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000 whichever is higher, if convicted.

The hearing continues before judge Rozina Ayob tomorrow. – Bernama

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https://www.thesundaily.my/local/bung-moktar-said-finance-minister-recommended-rm150m-investment-witness-EC2136556

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March 16, 2020