Malaysian Swiss Association -

Zahid, Najib test negative for Covid-19 after close contact with Tajuddin

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> After several positive cases linked to Umno politicians, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former president Najib Abdul Razak both tested negative today. They got tested after coming into close contact with Umno Supreme Council member Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, who has been infected by the virus. Taking to Facebook, Zahid said his wife was informed […]

21 January 2021 | 10:20 am

Malaysia’s new Covid-19 cases shoot past 4,000 again, 11 more deaths

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The Health Ministry reported 4,008 more Covid-19 cases today, bringing the total number of cases in Malaysia to 169,379. Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said of today’s cases, all but five were local transmissions. “Selangor remains the state with the highest number of daily cases with 1,391 today, followed by KL with […]

21 January 2021 | 10:14 am

Name another country that has suspended Parliament, Najib tells finance minister

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today challenged Finance minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz to name another country that has suspended its Parliament for seven months. Najib, who is Pekan MP, was responding to the senator’s recent comparison of Malaysia’s Covid-19 situation to other countries which similarly declared a state of Emergency. […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Fitch unit predicts Malaysia’s retail spending recovery to hit bumps as lockdown prolongs

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research has revised its consumer spending forecast for Malaysia, citing the current round of movement restrictions that is expected to delay recovery in the retail sector despite the initial anticipation that it would rebound this year. The Fitch Group unit slashed its real household spending growth forecast to 7.2 […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

MCO 2.0: Perlis suspends all mosque, surau activities

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> All group activities at mosques and surau in Perlis, including congregational prayers will be temporarily halted during the movement control order (MCO) which will be implemented beginning this Friday (January 22). The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, in a statement issued by the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia files WTO complaint over EU palm oil restrictions

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation over European Union rules affecting the consumption of palm oil-based biofuels, according to a document published Tuesday. In the complaint, dated January 15, Malaysia charges that the EU, and in particular its member states France and Lithuania, had imposed restrictive measures on the use of […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

OK to mourn from home if you can’t attend funerals, say religious leaders

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Leaders of various religions have told their followers there are many ways to pay respects to their dead even if they cannot attend funerals because of the movement control order. They said the faithful could, for instance, pray for their departed from their homes. According to current guidelines from the National Security Council, movement between […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Court challenge on emergency will make Anwar look bad, says analyst

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> A political analyst says Anwar Ibrahim’s move to challenge the proclamation of emergency in court gives the perception that the opposition leader prioritises politics over the people’s welfare. Azmi Hassan, formerly of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, said the opposition has only been criticising the government’s management of the pandemic without offering solutions on how to better […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Health D-G confirms death of Covid-19 frontliner, says not virus but had other underlying conditions

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> A government doctor who had been on the frontlines battling Covid-19 has died, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah confirmed today but not from fatigue as claimed. He said that the doctor had other underlying conditions, for which he was diagnosed a month ago. “No, it’s not fatigue. “He also tested negative for Covid-19,” Dr […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Foreign investors not ignorant about why Emergency called in Malaysia, Guan Eng tells govt

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng today said foreign investors will not be so easily tricked into believing that the declaration of a state of Emergency and the suspension of Parliament is to fight the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia. The Bagan MP insisted that the declaration of Emergency and suspension of Parliament shows the Perikatan […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Selangor allocates RM100,000 for each assemblyman, RM50,000 for MPs to assist Covid-19 fight

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Selangor will provide a special allocation to each assemblyman and MP in the state to allow them to provide basic supplies to residents amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that under its People-Friendly Special Allocation, each of the 56 assemblymen will receive RM100,000, while each MP will receive RM50,000. “With […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

UPDATE1-Malaysia’s central bank holds key rate steady at record low

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia’s central bank left its key benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, bucking expectations it would provide further monetary support to an economy facing fresh lockdowns amid surging coronavirus cases. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) kept its overnight policy rate at a record low of 1.75%, saying it considered its current monetary stance “appropriate and accommodative”. […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Academy of Medicine of Malaysia ready to assist health ministry in Covid-19 management

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM), which represents over 3,000 medical specialists nationwide from the public, private and academic sectors, is prepared to serve and assist the Ministry of Health (MoH) with its Covid-19 management plan, irrespective of their place of duty. AMM, in its statement today, said the academy welcomes the government’s decision […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

COVID-19: All Malaysian states except Sarawak to be placed under MCO starting Friday

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia’s Senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Tuesday (January 19) that all states in Malaysia, with the exception of Sarawak, will be placed under Movement Control Order (MCO) from this Friday. In a press conference, Ismail Sabri, who is also the Defence minister, said that MCO will be implemented in six states, including Kedah, […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

After Nazri Aziz, Umno MP Tajuddin latest to test positive for Covid-19

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Umno’s Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman is the latest politician to test positive for Covid-19 today, having undergone screening yesterday. This was announced on the Umno supreme council member’s Facebook page today. “For those who have close contact with him, it’s best to undergo Covid-19 screening test. “Tajuddin apologises for any inconvenience […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Kit Siang: Special Parliament sitting not to test Muhyiddin’s confidence

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang said there won’t be attempts to initiate a no-confidence vote against prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin if the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong consents to a special Parliament sitting during the current state of emergency. He said this is because the special sitting will only be on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. “There will […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Non-Malay monopoly unlikely in local govt polls, study shows

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> A study commissioned by electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 shows the belief that non-Malays will monopolise local councils if local government elections are held is false. The research report titled “Reintroduction of Local government Elections in Malaysia” adds that the claim that non-Malays would especially dominate local authorities in the cities was outdated. Danesh Prakash Chacko, […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Selangor steps up digitalisation programme as businesses, hawkers hampered by MCO 2.0

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The Selangor state government said today it will expedite its digitalisation plan to help small businesses in the state adapt to online platforms, as the country goes into a renewed movement control order dubbed MCO 2.0. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the decision, which also includes the Selangor E-kitchen programme which will provide […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Office rubbishes rumours, says Hamzah in stable condition

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The office of home minister Hamzah Zainudin says he is in a stable condition as he recovers from Covid-19, following rumours that his health had deteriorated. In a statement, it said Hamzah is being treated at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and thanked those who had expressed concern over his condition. “Any legitimate and official […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Fitch unit: Putrajaya set to raise debt ceiling as more stimulus, longer MCO 2.0 expected

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Putrajaya is expected to raise its debt ceiling again this year to fund more stimulus package as the country is expected to extend its latest movement control order dubbed MCO 2.0, a multinational financial securities company said today. In its report, Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research, a unit of rating agency Fitch Ratings […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Foreign investors not ignorant about why Emergency called in Malaysia, Guan Eng tells govt

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng today said foreign investors will not be so easily tricked into believing that the declaration of a state of Emergency and the suspension of Parliament is to fight the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia. The Bagan MP insisted that the declaration of Emergency and suspension of Parliament shows the Perikatan […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Mobilus welcomes arrival of first automated rapid transit system into Iskandar Malaysia

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Mobilus Sdn Bhd has welcomed the arrival of the first automated rapid transit (ART) system into Johor, which is set to be the site for a bus pilot testing programme to be launched in Iskandar Malaysia in the first quarter of 2021. Mobilus is a 51:49 joint venture company established between Ireka Corp Bhd and […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

400,000 Malaysian students return to school for physical classes

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> It’s crunch time for 400,000 Malaysian examination candidates as they make their way back to schools to resume face-to-face revision for their exams. These candidates who will be sitting for the 2020 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia, Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia and Diploma Vokasional Malaysia as […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Airport to roll out Single Token Journey initiative

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Kuala Lumpur (KL) International Airport in Malaysia has announced plans to roll out the first phase of the Single Token Journey initiative, which will deploy facial recognition technology. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Malaysia has announced plans to roll out the first phase of the Single Token Journey initiative, which will deploy facial recognition […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

With MCO clock ticking, still no light at end of Covid-19 tunnel for Malaysia

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The first week of the movement control order (MCO) has not brought the needed reprieve for Malaysia’s besieged healthcare system, with Covid-19 cases not only remaining high but also expected to climb further. In his latest briefing on the country’s Covid-19 situation when he reported 3,631 more infections, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia the worst in Asean in handling Covid-19, says Najib

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia can no longer claim it is among the countries that have been successful in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, says Najib Razak. In the wake of the recent surge in infections, the former prime minister said the country missed the opportunity to better manage the third wave in October when Putrajaya refused to ban interstate […]

21 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia’s Mahathir criticises state of emergency

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday criticised the imposition of emergency in the country, saying the government has lost its right to rule. “Emergency powers are not necessary for dealing with the pandemic. The government has ample power and Malaysians have obeyed whatever orders or directives were issued by the government in dealing […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Canadian news outlet exposes poor working, living conditions at Malaysia’s Top Glove

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> An investigative report by the Canadian Broadcasting Company has exposed shocking footage that purportedly showed poor working and living conditions of migrant workers from Malaysia’s glove industry. Malaysia’s glove industry is said to be among the world’s biggest and is responsible for the bulk of gloves entering Canada through more than a dozen companies, the […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Top Glove says ‘misleading and damaging’ Canadian report omits new company policies

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Major Malaysian gloves manufacturer Top Glove has criticised a Canadian investigative report for “misleading and damaging” news coverage that it said had unfairly left out steps the company recently took to improve the lives of its workers. The company said this in a statement yesterday, days after the Friday report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysian PM Muhyiddin announces RM15 billion economic aid package as COVID-19 cases soar

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced a new economic assistance package worth RM15 billion (US$3.7 billion) on Monday (January 18) to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In a televised address, Muhyiddin said the package dubbed PERMAI, or the Malaysian Economic and Rakyat Protection Assistance Package, strengthens the current initiatives in place to help Malaysians […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

RHB IB lowers Malaysia 2021 GDP forecast to 5.4pct due to MCO 2.0

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) has revised Malaysia’s 2021 growth domestic product (GDP) forecast downward to 5.4%, from 6.3 percent previously, due to the re-implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0) by the government recently. In a note today, RHB group chief economist and head of market research Dr Sailesh K Jha and […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

A week into MCO 2.0, minister now says govt mulling extending diners’ operating hours to 10pm

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The government is discussing whether to revise the operating hours for eateries in states placed under the latest implementation of the movement control order dubbed MCO 2.0, Federal Territories minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said today. Taking to Twitter, Annuar said both the National Security Council (NSC) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) are currently […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia Airlines receives full marks for Covid-19 safety protocol

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia Airlines Bhd has received seven stars (full marks) from Airline Ratings in an independent review of its Covid-19 health and safety measures. The rating is based on seven criteria Covid-19 guidance on the airline’s website, social distancing during boarding, flight attendants’ personal protective equipment, the compulsory wearing of face masks on board, modifications to […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Toyota, Honda reopen factories in Malaysia after list of ‘essential’ manufacturers updated

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Japanese automotive giants Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Company Ltd yesterday resumed operations at their assembly plants in Malaysia, after the federal government again updated its list of essential businesses allowed to operate during the movement control order (MCO) reintroduced this year. Tokyo-based Nikkei Asia reported that both companies have started their plants in […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

4 ways to end Malaysia’s never-ending flood problem

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The latest monsoon rain-induced floods have killed almost a dozen people across Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak. In addition, it is set to dispossess taxpayers of millions in aid, recovery and rebuilding costs. And to a large extent, we only have ourselves to blame. Our careless, reckless plundering of mother earth’s finite resources is […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Suit seeks legal development over issue of emergency-lawyer

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> A lawyer will continue with his suit seeking court guidance over the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s earlier refusal to heed prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s advice for declaration of emergency. This is in spite of the Agong recently agreeing to Muhyiddin’s later advice for an emergency to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Plaintiff Syed Iskandar Syed […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Exclusive: Indonesia, Malaysia eye joint campaign in Europe to counter palm oil critics

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The world’s top producers of palm oil, Indonesia and Malaysia, are looking to join forces for the first time to run an advocacy campaign in Europe, where increasingly tight regulations are threatening sales in their third biggest market. Through the platform of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), the two countries have sent […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Umno seen as stronger party if GE15 clash with Bersatu happens, but will it matter who wins?

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The simmering tensions between Umno and Bersatu may eventually lead to a clash in the 15th general elections (GE15) between two of the biggest Malay-based parties presently in terms of parliamentary seats held, with the more established Umno seen as having the higher odds of winning, analysts have said. But will the results of an […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Health minister: More research to be conducted on Pfiser-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine following 23 deaths among Norway’s elderly after first dose

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The Ministry of Health (MOH) is updating its vaccination protocols following reports of 23 deaths among those aged 80 and above in Norway, following their first dose of the Pfiser-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. Health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the ministry is now collecting more data to take into consideration the age and health […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Umno wants MPs to support special Parliament session on emergency

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Ketereh MP Annuar Musa has claimed that Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan has sent a letter to party MPs, instructing them to express their agreement to a call for a special parliamentary session to be held regarding the emergency proclamation. Annuar told Ahmad to consult with the relevant experts first before asking Umno MPs to express […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Dr M seeks to intervene in suit over Agong’s previous emergency decision

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and four others have joined the growing number of parties seeking to intervene in a suit over the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision to refuse the emergency proclamation last year. The five including Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir, Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah, Sri Gading MP Shahruddin Md Salleh and senator Marzuki […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia needs a plan for greater coherence, confidence and legitimacy

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Ten months on from the first movement control order (MCO) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is now in its second MCO in its economic heartland and has embarked on a six-and-a-half-month Emergency. Yet, we still lack a coherent and coordinated all-of-government plan that unifies economic recovery with the battle against the pandemic. Public […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Sarawak longhouses bar entry to outsiders to prevent spread of Covid-19

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The residents of many longhouses in the Poyut/Nibong area here have taken the initiative to put up banners or signboards, meant to inform outsiders that they are not allowed to enter their neighbourhoods during this time of conditional movement control order (CMCO). All divisions across Sarawak, except Sibu, are now under CMCO in force until […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Malaysia to roll out additional $3.7 billion stimulus measures-PM

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Malaysia will introduce 15 billion ringgit ($3.71 billion) worth of additional stimulus measures to support its pandemic-hit economy and fight COVID-19, prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Monday. Last week, Malaysia declared a state of emergency and imposed a nationwide travel ban and lockdowns in the capital and five states to help curb the spread […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Norway allays vaccine fears after elderly deaths

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> OSLO: Health authorities in Norway sought to allay safety concerns raised by the deaths of some elderly patients after they were vaccinated against Covid-19, saying there’s no evidence of a direct link. The initial reports from Norway raised alarm as the world looks for early signs of potential side effects from the vaccines. Although doctors […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Umno MPs asked to support Parliamentary sitting to discuss Emergency, but Annuar says ‘treasonous’ act against Agong

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Tan Sri Annuar Musa has chided his Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan today, after claiming the latter called on Umno MPs yesterday to support a special Parliamentary sitting to discuss the state of Emergency. Annuar also accused the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno secretary-general of making unrealistic demands that may be “treasonous” to the Yang di-Pertuan […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Health minister: Govt has enough resources for public health system

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> The government is putting the people’s health as the top priority and has enough resources to ensure the public health system continues to serve the people to curb the spread of Covid-19, said Health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. This was reflected in the announcement by prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on PERMAI […]

20 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Muhyiddin announces new RM15b Permai stimulus package

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> An additional stimulus package worth in excess of RM15 billion was announced by prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today. The Malaysian Economic and Rakyat Protection Assistance Package, dubbed the Permai aid package, will include 22 new initiatives that Muhyiddin said will put money in people’s pockets and ensure the survival of businesses. “The Permai […]

19 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Bursa Malaysia ends lower as banks weigh ahead of OPR decision

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Bursa Malaysia ended in the negative territory today despite the announcement by the prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin of a RM15 billion Malaysian Economic and Rakyat’s Protection Assistance Package (PERMAI) comprising 22 initiatives to combat Covid-19. At 5pm, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) slipped 17.49 points to 1,609.52 from 1,627.01 at […]

19 January 2021 | 12:02 am

Annuar Musa still trying to use us as punching bag-Johor DAP Youth chief

<a href="https://www.intellasia.net/">Intellasia East Asia News</a> Annuar Musa still trying to use us as punching bagJohor DAP Youth chief Johor DAP Youth chief Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali has taken Federal Territories minister Annuar Musa to task, saying that even when his party is not part of the government, the latter still uses it as a punching bag. “In essence, Annuar Musa’s […]

19 January 2021 | 12:02 am

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