Malaysia Morning News For July 1, 2020

MPC: Malaysia’s labour productivity grew 2.1pc in 2019
Malaysia recorded a labour productivity growth of 2.1 per cent to RM93,973 in 2019 from RM92,018 in 2018, contributing to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.3 per cent in 2019, says the Malaysia.
— Malay Mail

Malaysia theme parks get green light to reopen
Malaysia has given the go-ahead for the country’s theme parks to reopen. All theme parks, including water parks may reopen from July 1, said senior minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, following a ministerial meeting of the MCO enforcement group.
— Travel Mole

PPI falls 5.5% in May 2020
The Producer Price Index (PPI) of local production which measures costs for goods at the factory gate decreased 5.5% year-on-year in May 2020, marking the third consecutive month in a row of the index to fall into negative territory.
— The Sun Daily

Trade activity seen improving gradually after 25.5% fall in Malaysia’s May exports
Malaysia’s May exports declined 25.5% to RM62.7 billion year on year, on the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, but trade activity is expected to gradually recover in the coming months as restrictions are lifted in low-risk countries and demand and supply conditions resume.
— The Sun Daily

Small-scale farmers illegally occupying state land urged to come forward, be legalised
Small-scale farmers illegally occupying land belonging to the Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC) are encouraged to come forward to get a chance to be legalised, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
— The Star Online

MTUC tells MEF to prove claim that businesses will fold if made to pay RM2,700 living wage
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has called on the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) to prove its claim that many businesses will fold if the living wage in urban cities is set at RM2,700 monthly, as proposed by the MTUC.
— The Sun Daily

Sarawak approves 331 weekly flights until August
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has approved a total of 331 weekly flights here for July and August under the recovery movement control order (RMCO), state Transports Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said today.
— Malay Mail

Sites for new airports in Kapit and Betong identified, to be completed in 2023
The Sarawak government has identified sites for the construction of airports in Bukit Mabong, Kapit and Bebuling in Spaoh, Betong, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
— The Borneo Post

JobSteet poll: Just one in three Malaysians still happy with life after MCO
The economic turmoil from measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic has caused Malaysians’ happiness with their quality of life to fall by more than half compared to a year ago, according to a new JobStreet survey.
— Malay Mail

Govt urged to prioritise welfare of Malaysian employees over foreign workers
Protect Malaysian workers. That is the advice unions and economists have for the government as it faces massive unemployment in the months to come.
— The Sun Daily

Report: Mall retailers say Covid-19, MCO cost them nearly RM2b in lost sales
The Covid-19 pandemic and the government’s containment measures in March and May cost the retail industry around RM1.8 billion, according to Malaysia Shopping Malls Association president Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok.
— Malay Mail

Revival and follow up for post-Covid era between Cambodia and Malaysia
TRAVEL between Cambodia and Malaysia may resume with fewer restrictions, it’s been announced.
— The Sun Daily

Sarawak hydrogen bus operation to resume after maintenance
The resumption of service of the Kuching City’s hydrogen-fuelled buses will only be announced after they have undergone the full scheduled maintenance works by their China-based manufacturer, Foshan Feichi Automobile Co. Ltd (Feichi).
— The Sun Daily

MACC seeking four men to assist in investigations
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is looking for four men to assist in investigations into three corruption cases.
— The Sun Daily

Sarawak govt steps in to revive 23 delayed Rural Electrification Scheme projects
Sarawak Utilities Ministry has stepped in to revive all 23 Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) projects located mainly in the northern region of the state which are significantly behind schedule.
— Malay Mail

Fitch: Recovery in oil prices to limit ringgit weakness in short term
Fitch Solutions has revised its 2020 and 2021 average exchange rate forecasts to RM4.30 and RM4.20 against the US dollar, respectively, from RM4.35 and RM4.25 previously as a recovery in commodity prices, especially crude oil, is likely to limit the extent of weakness in the ringgit in the short term.
— The Sun Daily

TNB signs 2 PPAs for 200 MWAC solar photovoltaic facilities
Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) today signed two large-scale solar (LSS) photovoltaic power purchase agreements (PPAs) with special purpose companies (SPCs) set up by the successful bidders.
— The Sun Daily

409 Indonesian illegal immigrants deported from Sabah today
A total of 409 Indonesian illegal immigrants were deported via sea route from Tawau Port here to Nunukan, in the republic today.Sabah National Security Council (NSC) director Sharifah Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said it was made possible with the cooperation of the Indonesian government.
— The Sun Daily

Time is ripe to embrace digitalisation, says MPC
The time is now ripe for Malaysia to embrace and adopt digitalisation to fulfil the nation’s aspiration to become an advanced economy, said Malaysia Productivity Corp (MPC) director-general Datuk Abdul Latif Abu Seman.
— Malay Mail

Govt drafting Temporary Measures Bill
The government is in the process of drafting a “Temporary Measures Bill” to mitigate the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali today.
— The Borneo Post

Johor govt to request RM115mil allocation to upgrade roads in Kulai
The state government will be requesting RM115mil in allocations to be used for upgrading roads in the Kulai district to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
— The Star Online

Scam victim sues HSBC for negligence, claims bank should have alerted him of possible fraud
A retiree has sued HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad for negligence, claiming it failed in its duty to advise him against proceeding with transactions that it could have deduced to be fraudulent.
— Malay Mail

Bersih wants MPs to keep Ariff as Dewan Rakyat Speaker
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has urged MPs to block any move by the government to replace Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and Nga Kor Ming as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.
— The Sun Daily

Bersih 2.0 calls for Ariff to remain Dewan Rakyat Speaker, parliamentary reforms to continue
Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 has urged federal lawmakers to reject the government’s motions to remove Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and his deputy, Nga Kor Ming.
— Malay Mail

Closing submissions on Ku Nan’s corruption case to be heard Sept 11
The defence in the corruption case involving former Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor closed its case today after calling four witnesses.
— Malay Mail

Azmin says Temporary Measures Bill still being drafted, urges businesses to stay nimble
The government is in the process of drafting a “Temporary Measures Bill” to mitigate the social and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, said Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin.
— Malay Mail

Malaysians unprepared for retirement, says MTUC
FOR most Malaysians, retiring to a comfortable life is like an impossible dream.
— The Sun Daily

Sapura Energy refutes allegations in social media
Sapura Energy Bhd has refuted all innuendos, allegations and unfounded allegations made about the company in the social media of late.
— The Sun Daily

Norwegian Air cancels 97 Boeing MAX and Dreamliners, claims compensation
Norwegian Air has cancelled orders for 97 Boeing aircraft and will claim compensation from the U.S. plane maker for the grounding of the 737 MAX and for 787 engine troubles that hit its bottom line, the Oslo-based carrier said on Monday.
— The Sun Daily

Low-cost house tenants seek extension on rent
A group representing tenants, known as Rent Freeze Committee, are asking private landlords to exempt their tenants from paying rent for a period of one year.
— The Sun Daily

RM90 mln for Sabah to move towards digitisation
The State Government together with the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have sat down together to map out districts in Sabah that needed telecommunication towers.
— The Borneo Post

Tun M’s proposal cheap political gimmick – Bung Moktar
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s proposal for Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as Pakatan Harapan Plus’ candidate for Prime Minister was nothing but a cheap political gimmick, said Umno Sabah Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
— The Borneo Post

Report: Art Harun quits as EC chief, nominated to be Parliament Speaker
The government has proposed Election Commission chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun for the post of Dewan Rakyat Speaker, a news portal reported citing sources.
— Malay Mail

RMCO: Theme parks, cinemas to reopen with SOP compliance
The reopening of theme parks, including water parks from Wednesday (July 1) during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) will not only revive economic activities for industry players but also provide opportunities for the public to enjoy some rest and recreation with their families.
— The Borneo Post

COVID-19: Weddings are allowed again in Malaysia, but industry players expect lull to continue
Those interviewed by CNA hope that business will pick up again by the end of the year.
— CNA

Federal govt to be fair to all states in economic recovery efforts — Azmin
The federal government has given assurance that it will be fair to all states, including those led by the opposition, in the efforts to revive the Covid-19-affected economy.
— The Borneo Post

Guan Eng reminds Malaysians not to judge each other by skin colour
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng today reminded Malaysians to not divide themselves based on the colour of their skin but on common principles of upholding justice, freedom, prosperity for all, fighting corruption and.
— Malay Mail

Omesti unit secures credit reporting agency licence in Malaysia
Omesti Bhd’s CRIF Omesti Sdn Bhd has obtained a credit reporting agency (CRA) licence in Malaysia from the Finance Ministry. CRIF Omesti is a joint investment between credit information company CRIF and Omesti Holdings Bhd, which is fully owned by Omesti.
— The Sun Daily

RMCO: Sarawak hydrogen bus operation to resume after maintenance, says SEDC chief
The resumption of service of the Kuching City’s hydrogen-fuelled buses will only be announced after they have undergone the full scheduled maintenance works by their China-based manufacturer, Foshan Feichi Automobile Co. Ltd.
— Malay Mail

UOA Development Q1 earnings double to RM124.22m
UOA Development Bhd’s net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020 doubled to RM124.22 million from RM59.86 million a year ago attributed mainly to progressive recognition of the on-going development projects from United Point Residence, South Link Lifestyle Apartments and Sentul Point.
— The Sun Daily

Sunway REIT to acquire The Pinnacle Sunway for RM450m
Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has proposed to acquire The Pinnacle Sunway from Sunway Bhd’s wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries Sunway Integrated Properties Sdn Bhd and Sunway Pinnacle Sdn Bhd for RM450 million cash and has proposed a private placement to raise up to RM710 million.
— The Sun Daily

HSBC Malaysia: 3 starter tools to build financial resilience
HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd has advised Malaysians to be conscious of their cash flow, build their net worth and not lose sight of the importance of health in building their financial resilience.
— The Sun Daily

IHH Healthcare reports RM319.8m net loss for Q1
IHH Healthcare Bhd posted a net loss of RM319.79 million in the first quarter ended March 31, against a net profit of RM89.51 million in the same quarter of the previous year due to a impairment on the remaining goodwill from an investment in Global Hospitals in India and RM60 million in forex losses.
— The Sun Daily

Scomi sees RM126.7m net loss for Q3
Scomi Group Bhd recorded a net loss of RM126.69 million for its third quarter ended March 31, due to the loss of transfer of subsidiary shares, impairment of receivables, forex loss and cost for an aborted corporate proposal, and operating expenses.
— The Sun Daily

‘Zero infection target unlikely’
It is almost impossible for Malaysia to achieve zero infection in Covid-19 cases by next month, a respiratory physician said yesterday.Dr Helmy Haja Mydin of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur said the push for zero new cases is tough as the country is not isolated.
— The Sun Daily

Another Covid-19 wave will bankrupt tourism sector
Another wave of the Covid-19 virus would cause the tourism industry to plummet into bankruptcy, says Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATTAP) chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng.
— The Sun Daily

Naming Shafie Apdal Pakatan’s PM designate a double-edged sword for coalition, say pundits
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently raised the stakes against both foes and allies by naming Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as the Opposition’s prime minister of choice, but pundits see the gambit as a double-edged sword that could.
— Malay Mail

Mara, PDB to co-develop and enhance capabilities of food, automotive SMEs
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-develop and enhance the capability and competitiveness of the Bumiputera small and medium enterprises (SMEs) especially in the automotive and food sectors.
— The Borneo Post

TCS Group aims to raise RM20.7m from ACE Market listing
TCS Group Holdings Bhd aims to raise an estimated RM20.7 million from its proposed initial public offering (IPO) on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market.
— The Sun Daily

Flood mitigation plan for Kota Belud needs to be hastened, says Sabah CM
Implementation of the flood-mitigation plan for Kota Belud needs to be speeded up to minimise the impact of frequent floods after a continuous downpour, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
— Malay Mail

Spring Art expects online shopping surge to boost financial performance
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture products designer and manufacturer, Spring Art Holdings Bhd, expects the surge in online shopping following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to boost its financial performance.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo focuses on Asean’s frontline healthcare workers in the battle against COVID-19.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

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