Applications to travel back to major cities can be made starting April 25

Malaysians who went back to their hometowns prior to the movement control order (MCO) and now want to return to their cities of residence will need to apply online or at the nearest police station starting April 25, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. He said the government was aware that Malaysians had rushed back to their hometowns over a month ago and were now hoping to return to the major cities where they worked. Hence for the early stages, Ismail Sabri said those who wanted to return to major cities could apply to the police through the online app Gerak Malaysia. “They can apply online and provide (the police) their names, the number of family members with them and their point of origin, so that we have the details of whether they are coming from a red or green zone,” he said. Ismail Sabri said those who were unable to apply online could make applications at the police station nearest to their present location. (The Star Online)

Prospect of MCO extension looms

The people must prepare to stay home longer with the prospect of phase four of the movement control order (MCO) looming, as the government prepares standard operating procedures (SOPs) to cater for Ramadan, say government sources. Although there has yet to be an official announcement, the government’s preparation for a Ramadan under MCO signals the possibility of a phase four. Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to give a special Ramadan speech to the nation tonight to address the worries of Muslims fasting during the MCO. Religious authorities, under the purview of Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Al-Bakri, are also formulating fatwa to ensure that Muslims are not in doubt about fasting during the MCO. (The Star Online)

MUI mulls redevelopment of Corus Hotel KL

The 36-year-old Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Ampang may be demolished to make way for an integrated development as the owner, Malayan United Industries Bhd (MUI), is considering unlocking the value of the strategically located land. It is mulling the construction of a 55-storey building comprising serviced apartments, co-working space, a hotel and a retail component with an estimated GDV of RM1.3 billion. Having abandoned plans to sell the Corus Hotel Hyde Park in London, the UK, MUI is also evaluating the option of selling Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur and a parcel of land in Negeri Sembilan. (The Edge)

House renovations by G1, G2-grade firms can resume during MCO with permission

Companies with G1 and G2 grades will be allowed to resume their construction works under the movement control order (MCO) if they have obtained permission to operate from the government, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He explained that for companies within the construction sector, applications would be reviewed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) and the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDB) who will decide if applicants fulfill all the required criteria and prerequisites. “Works of house renovations are normally done by G1 or G2 (companies), meaning small contractors, and I have said that one of the government’s conditions is to allow G1 and G2 companies to operate because their projects are usually small ones,” he said. (Malay Mail)

Sime Darby sells Tesco Malaysia stake for RM300mil

Sime Darby Bhd’s wholly-owned units Sime Darby Allied Products Bhd and Sime Darby Holdings Bhd, have sold their 30% stake in Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to CP Retail Development Company Ltd, Tesco Holdings BV and Tesco PLC for RM300 million. Sime Darby said the disposal was part of a larger deal between Tesco PLC and Thailand’s CP Group (CP) signed in March 2020, to sell Tesco PLC’s businesses in Thailand and Malaysia to CP for an enterprise value of US$10.6 billion. It expects an estimated net gain on disposal of RM270 million from the sale of its stake in Tesco Malaysia, a joint venture it held since 2001. The disposal is expected to be completed in the second half of 2020. (NST Online)