Malaysia Morning News For March 17, 2020

Covid-19: 125 new cases, bringing cumulative total of 553 – Adham Baba
A total of 125 new positive Covid-19 cases have been reported as at noon today, bringing the cumulative total of confirmed cases to 553.
— The Borneo Post

Sarawak to impose 14-day stay-home notice on all inbound travellers
All foreign and domestic visitors coming into Sarawak will be issued a 14-day stay-home notice as the state embarks on its latest control measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
— CNA

MOF announces unit to monitor ESP 2020 implementation
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced the formation of an inter-agency economic stimulus implementation and coordinating unit (Laksana) at the ministry to monitor the implementation of the 2020 economic stimulus package (ESP 2020).
— New Sarawak Tribune

United Nations Association Malaysia urges Putrajaya to step up efforts to contain Covid-19
The United Nations Association Malaysia (Unam) has called on the government to put in place a better plan to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.
— Malay Mail

Singaporeans rush to supermarkets after Malaysia announces lockdown, but no widespread excessive buying
Soon after the Malaysian government announced a nationwide lockdown, Singaporeans were seen rushing to the supermarkets late on Monday (March 16) night, reminiscent of scenes on Feb 7 after Singapore raised the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition alert level to Orange.
— Today Online

Covid-19: Law firm advises affected businesses to review contracts
Businesses affected by Covid-19 haev been advised to carefully consider the terms of their contracts and the applicable laws when formulating their responses to safeguard their interests in the wake of the outbreak.
— The Sun Daily

Sarawak hopes Petronas will not delay SST after court decision
The Sarawak government hopes Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) will not impede the imposition of the State Sales Tax (SST) after the High Court ruled that Sarawak has the right to impose the tax on petroleum products.
— The Borneo Post

Govt announces RM600 aid for workers on no-pay leave, discounts on electricity bills for all
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced a special RM600 monthly aid for workers on no-pay leave, for a period of six months.
— Malay Mail

Covid-19: China affirms commitment to assist Malaysia, says Hishammuddin
The Chinese government today expressed its commitment to assist Malaysia in addressing the spread of Covid-19 infection by providing personal protective equipment such as face masks and hand sanitisers.
— The Sun Daily

Facilities under Motac closed until April 30
All public facilities under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) are closed with immediate effect until April 30 as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.
— New Sarawak Tribune

Bersatu polls: Dr M remains chairman, Muhyiddin faces Mukhriz for president’s post
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has retained the position of chairman of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) as Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin faces off two others for the president’s post.
— The Star Online

Medac offers relief to customers of its 3 financial institutions
The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Medac) has allowed the borrowers of loans from three financial institutions under its ambit to defer repayments for six months, effective today, if they are affected by Covid-19.
— The Sun Daily

Covid-19: Temporary closure of facilities visited by hammer thrower
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has acted promptly to temporarily shut down all National Sports Council (NSC) and National Sports Institute facilities visited by national hammer thrower Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (pix) after the athlete tested positive for Covid-19.Its minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said this is to facilitate …
— The Sun Daily

PM: Workers forced to take unpaid leave to receive cash assistance of RM600 a month (updated)
The revised economic stimulus package under the Perikatan Nasional government will have additional benefits for employees who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
— The Star Online

PM: All major projects under Budget 2020 will continue as planned despite impact of Covid-19 on Malaysian economy
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that all major projects announced under Budget 2020 will proceed as planned, despite the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy.
— Malay Mail

Missing victim’s charred body found in Pengerang complex
The charred body of the last victim of the fire at the diesel hydrotreater unit at the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC), Kota Tinggi, was found this afternoon.
— The Sun Daily

Sabah wants Federal Govt to lift export ban on several types of fish
Sabah wants the Federal Government to lift a four-month export ban on certain types of fish, says state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Junz Wong.
— The Star Online

State Health Dept is monitoring Sarikei MP’s condition, says Sarawak CM
The state Health Department is monitoring Sarikei Member of Parliament Andrew Wong Ling Biu, who tested positive for Covid-19, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg when asked by reporters for an update on the.
— Malay Mail

PBB delegates convention in April is postponed, says sec-gen after Covid-19 outbreak
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) triennial delegates’ convention scheduled for April 19 this year, has been postponed until further notice, said the party’s secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi.
— The Borneo Post

Pakatan suggests National Security Council meet and discuss ways to contain Covid-19 outbreak
Adding to the chorus of calls for more preventive action to be taken by the government to battle the Covid-19 outbreak, Pakatan Harapan (PH) today also urged the National Security Council (NSC) to meet and discuss ways to.
— Malay Mail

Covid-19: No case at Alor Star’s Aman Central Mall: Management
The management of the Aman Central Mall here today dismissed as fake a social media message of an employee of a restaurant there having come down with Covid-19.
— The Sun Daily

No need for ‘lockdown’, says former Health Minister Dzul
Former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pix), says there is no need for a ‘lockdown’, amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.
— The Sun Daily

Covid-19: Malaysian Bar urges lockdown, asks lawyers to work from home for two weeks
The Malaysian Bar today urged the Malaysian government to impose a lockdown of the country due to the recent spike in confirmed Covid-19 cases, with a total of 386 active cases as of yesterday.
— Malay Mail

Hammer thrower is first national athlete to test positive for Covid-19
Malaysian hammer thrower Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (pix) has tested positive for Covid-19.Sports and Youth Minister Datuk Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican confirmed the matter in a statement today.
— The Sun Daily

Covid-19: Anwar proposes free face masks for Malaysians, bigger Health Ministry budget than RM150m
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today suggested that the Health Ministry’s initial budget of RM150 million to fight the Covid-19 outbreak be further increased, proposing for the bigger budget to then be used on.
— Malay Mail

Stop saying PN backdoor government, it’s inaccurate, says Selangor Sultan
Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (pix) has called on people to stop labelling the new Federal government as “a backdoor government” or formed via power grab.
— The Sun Daily

Ministry suggests micro-credit repayment be postponed, rescheduled
The Women and Family Ministry today suggested that the repayment of the micro-credit scheme be postponed or rescheduled for a period of at least three months.
— The Borneo Post

Life insurance industry’s new premiums up 14.9% last year
The life insurance industry reported a 14.9% growth in new business total premiums to RM11.8 billion last year, from RM10.3 billion in 2018, according to the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM).
— The Sun Daily

National Science Centre, Planetarium temporarily closed
In an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the National Science Centre (PSN) and the National Planetarium (PN) have been temporarily shut down until further notice.
— The Sun Daily

NGO urges government to improve existing environment policies
The decision by the Environment Ministry under the leadership of minister Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man to continue the initiatives implemented by the previous government is welcomed by non-governmental organisations.
— The Sun Daily

Covid-19: National Science Centre, Planetarium temporarily closed
PUIn an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the National Science Centre (PSN) and the National Planetarium (PN) have been temporarily shut down until further notice.
— Malay Mail

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre imposes visitor limit to curb Covid-19 spread
The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (SWC) is limiting the number of visitors to 40 people per sighting effective today until further notice due to rising concerns of the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).
— The Borneo Post

12 Covid-19 screening centres in Malacca
The state Health Department here has made available 12 health screening centres for Covid-19 in three districts in the state.
— The Sun Daily

Police tracking down individuals sharing #Malaysialockdown infographic
Police are tracking down individuals who share false information on a “lockdown” in the country which has gone viral on social media.Describing such act as irresponsible, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador (pix) said it could also affect public order.
— The Sun Daily

Bursa sees RM1.91b in equity outflow last week
Another week, another billion ringgit outflow. Last week, international investors took out RM1.91 billion net of local equities, but this is still comparatively less than Malaysia’s Asian peers.
— The Sun Daily

Matta announces cancellation of all travel fairs nationwide
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has announced the cancellation of all it’s travel fairs throughout the country.
— The Borneo Post

Malaysia lowers crude palm oil duty for April to 5%
Malaysia has decreased its export duty for crude palm oil to 5% for April from 6% in March, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board said on Monday, citing the national customs department.
— The Sun Daily

7-Eleven’s MGO for Caring Pharmacy fair, reasonable
7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd’s take-over offer for Caring Pharmacy Group Bhd’s shares that it does not own for RM2.60 a share is deemed fair and reasonable.
— The Sun Daily

Maybank Sibu Central branch closed for two days, to reopen on Wednesday
Maybank has announced the temporary closure of its Sibu Central branch for two days starting today to enable a thorough deep-cleaning and sanitisation process to be conducted.
— The Borneo Post

Don’t worry, there is enough food for everyone, says PM amid Covid-19 fears
Amid the panic buying following fear over the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has urged Malaysians to be calm, as he assured that there was enough food for everyone.
— The Star Online

Covid-19: Universiti Sains Malaysia to go into lockdown for three weeks at all campuses
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) this afternoon announced that it has taken the initiative to order a temporary lockdown of all its campuses for three weeks from tomorrow onwards, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
— Malay Mail

Syed Hamid: Bersatu inaugural elections postponed because of Covid-19
Bersatu’s inaugural elections for top leadership posts on its supreme council as well as its Armada youth wing and Srikandi women’s wing are likely to be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Malay Mail

Bersatu AGM, polls on hold due to Covid-19 pandemic, says Syed Hamid
The elections for the central leadership of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and the party’s annual general meeting will be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says party election committee chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar.
— The Star Online

Covid-19: Anwar warns economic recession increasingly probable, urges more cash handouts
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today warned that the prospects of a recession for Malaysia are increasingly likely in the face of the global Covid-19 outbreak, urging the federal government to introduce.
— Malay Mail

Covid-19: Sarawak imposes 14-day stay home notice on travellers, school holidays extended
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg today said that the state government is taking several strict control measures to prevent further escalation of Covid-19, by extending the school holidays and imposing.
— Malay Mail

CM: All Tabika, Taska and Sekolah Tahfiz in Sarawak to close for two weeks
All Tabika, Taska and Sekolah Tahfiz in Sarawak are instructed to close for two weeks effective tomorrow amid the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) outbreak, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
— The Borneo Post

Covid-19: Malaysians in Iran, Italy to be flown home this week
A total of 127 Malaysians in Iran and Italy are expected to be flown home within this week as the two countries have been severely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.
— The Sun Daily

Monday blues for KLCI persist, down 2.8% at midday break
The FBM KLCI continues to be buffeted around in the global uncertainty that is currently dogging global markets, due in large part to major concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic and its continued spread.
— The Sun Daily

Moggie bids farewell and shares fond memories at TNB
Former Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie (pix) said he had truly enjoyed his 16 years with the Malaysian largest utility company, thanks to the support and cooperation from its workforce, management and board of directors in ensuring that it carries out its responsibilities with utmost professionalism.
— The Sun Daily

Tuaspring buy will have insignificant impact on YTL Power’s earnings in short term: Research firm
YTL Power International Bhd (YTLP) subsidiary YTL PowerSeraya’s proposed acquisition of Hyflux’s Tuaspring 396MW power plant for S$331.45 million (RM1.01 billion) is expected to have an insignificant impact on YTLP’s short-term earnings, said CGS CIMB Research.
— The Sun Daily

Missing victim’s charred body found in Pengerang Integrated Complex
The charred body of the last victim of the fire at the diesel hydrotreatre unit at the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC), Kota Tinggi, was found this afternoon.
— Malay Mail

Sri Ram to know Covid-19 test results tomorrow
Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor in Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial, Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram (pix), will know whether or not he has been infected by Covid-19, tomorrow.
— The Sun Daily

Feature photo Carbon Brief

This week’s Malaysia morning news feature photo focuses on International Day of Forests, March 21

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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