Malaysia attracts 91 MNCs with nearly RM14bil investments
Malaysia, through InvestKL Corporation Sdn Bhd, has attracted 91 global multinationals (MNCs) with approved and committed investments of RM13.95 billion since 2011. InvestKL said the 91 MNCs had created 12,584 regional high-skilled jobs since 2011. Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said this achievement was a testament of foreign investors’ confidence in the country’s business and governance environment. However, he cautioned that with the Covid-19 pandemic and the generally negative impact on foreign direct investments globally, InvestKL would need to recalibrate and add greater value propositions to its investment strategies. The real estate sector enjoyed an estimated RM156.8 million of annual rental income for office space in 2019. InvestKL CEO Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli said InvestKL was maintaining its 2020 target to attract 13 high-value, high-tech and high-impact MNCs to invest in Kuala Lumpur. (NST Online)
ECRL gets green light for Kota Baru-Dungun realignment
Construction work for the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) Section A, comprising a 210.4km stretch from Kota Baru to Dungun, is set to commence soon after the government gave its final approval. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the project and asset owner of ECRL, said the approval for Section A would include the final alignment route, locations of passenger/freight stations, and the number of lots to be under land acquisition for the stretch. In addition, a 14.4km future spurline is expected to link the ECRL main line in Kelantan with the port of Tok Bali. The ECRL will now have six stations under Section A consisting of Kota Baru and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan and Jerteh, Bandar Permaisuri, Kuala Terengganu and Dungun in Terengganu. Construction of the project was initially halted with the implementation of the MCO. However, in mid-April, ECRL’s main contractor China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd received approval to operate during the period. (The Edge)
Exit strategy from MCO only if people obey new norm rules
The Health Ministry will propose an exit strategy from the conditional movement control order (MCO) if the public displays a high level of adherence to the new norm required to fight Covid-19. This new norm is characterised by things such as the observance of social distancing and other socially responsible moves to curb the spread of Covid-19, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. The new norm is summarised as SOP, or observance of conditions (Syarat), watching out for high-risk individuals (Orang berisiko tinggi), and adoption of social distancing (Penjarakan sosial). “SOP is simple, but difficult to implement,” he said, adding that if SOP become an ingrained culture, the ministry could then start discussing the exit strategy with the authorities. he expressed fear that the number of Covid-19 cases may increase during Hari Raya if the people let their guard down. Other than advising Muslims to only celebrate on a small scale during Hari Raya to minimise risks, he also pleaded with people not to visit graves during this festive season. Parents are also not allowed to take their children under the age of 12 to hospitals without prior appointments, he said. (The Star Online)
Law minister: One-day Parliament sitting was to fulfill constitutional obligations
The one-day Parliament sitting was convened yesterday with the purpose of fulfilling the constitutional obligations enshrined under the Federal Constitution. Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, who is also de facto law and Parliament minister, explained that the importance of the Third Session of the 14th Parliament was in accordance with Article 55(1) and Article 52(1) of the Federal Constitution. The one-day sitting of the Dewan Rakyat saw the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah delivering his royal address with no debates following thereafter. Under Article 55(1), it is stated that the Dewan Rakyat shall convene no later than six months after its last meeting. The last Parliamentary session was held on December 19, 2019. The Kota Bahru MP said that while he considered the criticism provided by the Opposition vital, it must be made with good intention and not for the sake of character assassination. (Malay Mail)
Over 30,000 rate payers in Miri enjoying 25% discount
The owners of 30,313 rateable properties under the Miri City Council (MCC) jurisdiction will enjoy a 25% discount on their assessment rates as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg recently. MCC Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said the rate payers, comprising owners of residential, commercial, industrial and special purpose properties, can pay their assessment bills at the Sarawak Service Counter at UTC from May 27. He said rate payers who wish to pay online can subscribe to Sarawak Pay or Paybills. “For those who have paid the assessment rates for year 2020, the overpayment will be contra to the next active bill(s) or next year. We are pleased to inform that the Sarawak government has agreed to extend the due date for the first-half assessment rates to October 31, 2020,” he added. (Malay Mail)
