Health Ministry figures show Covid-19 curve is flattening, says Health DG
After two weeks of implementing the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia, figures show early signs that the government’s efforts are working, says Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. Making a comparison with a projection by the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), the director-general of health said the actual number of Covid-19 cases showed a lower trajectory than was initially forecasted by MIER. He, however, stressed that Malaysians must continue to maintain their social distancing and to obey the stay-at-home order for the upcoming weeks. On average, the daily number of new cases is about 100 to 150 in Malaysia since March 23, with an unusual spike of 235 on March 26. The MCO is scheduled to end on April 14, barring any further extension by the government. (The Star Online)
Govt bungalows, transit homes serving as lodgings for frontliners
The Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) through its Property and Land Management Division (BPH) has extended the government’s boarding facilities and premises for use by frontline workers. JPM in a statement today said as of March 31, two government holiday bungalows (RPP) and four transit houses have been provided as accommodation for Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Security Council (MKN) frontliners. “The gesture is as our show of support and appreciation to the frontline personnel in helping the government contain the spread of Covid-19,” it added. In addition the Social Welfare Department has been given the permission to use government building (BGS) premises and cafeteria facilities as food collection points for distribution to the public. (Malay Mail)
Real estate agents to invest more in marketing to foreign buyers
Real estate agents will invest more in marketing to foreign buyers to beat their income losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recent Juwai IQI market intelligence study. The Global Coronavirus Agent Survey, which received responses from more than 822 real estate agents in 60 countries, revealed that 22% of agents in Malaysia will increase their investment in marketing to foreign buyers. Juwai IQI is seeing more and more real estate agents and property developers turning online to market and launch their developments as the Covid-19 outbreak has impacted markets across the board. Some 31% of Malaysian agents said foreign buyer activity has fallen significantly due to the rapid spread of Covid-19, the study found. Meanwhile, 23% reported a similar drop in local owner-occupier activity, 27% saw a significant reduction in investor buyers and 18% recorded a decline in renters. As such, they are the least pessimistic agents surveyed for earnings expectations this year. In terms of buying and selling, 35% of agents believe this is a “good” or “very good” time to sell, but 47% believe it is a “bad” or “very bad” time to sell. However, an astounding 82% of Malaysian real estate agents believe it is a “good” or “very good” time to buy property. (The Malaysian Reserve)
Health DG: We will consider ‘drive thru bazaars’ for Ramadan
The Health Ministry may consider “drive thru Ramadan bazaars” as alternatives to the traditional food bazaars in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said it welcomes such “innovative ideas” which can help prevent large gatherings that expose people to the coronavirus threat. Suggestions to organise “drive-thru” Ramadan bazaars or online bazaars are new and innovative ideas that the ministry can consider. “What we want to do is to prevent large gatherings and continue to impose social distancing among members of the public… The ministry however will refer to our own guiding principles before we can decide to approve and implement these new ideas, ” said Dr Noor Hisham. Many people, including health experts, have protested against the idea of having Ramadan bazaars this coming fasting month as these usually attract large crowds. The Selangor, Kedah, Terengganu, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan state governments have announced the cancellation of Ramadan bazaars this year. (The Star Online)
Muhyiddin takes over as Khazanah chairman
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been brought on board as Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s chairman, replacing Tun Dr Mahathir, effective immediately. In a statement, Khazanah said Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim have also been instated as members of the board. Mohammed Azlan is currently the non-executive chairman of IHH Healthcare Bhd. “Khazanah looks forward to working with the newly-reconstituted board in delivering on our mandate as the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia,” it said. (The Sun Daily)
