Malaysia hits record low of 15 new Covid-19 cases
Malaysia is back in the low double digits in terms of new Covid 19 cases yesterday, a contrast from the previous day’s figure which was among the highest new cases detected in a day since the movement control order (MCO) began. With just 15 cases, this represents the lowest number of cases since the MCO began and the third time that new cases are below 20. The last two times were on May 12 (16 cases) and May 16 (17 cases). Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that out of the 15 new cases, only nine were locally transmitted. Of that number, five were locals and four were foreigners. “The double digits are in line with our projections from before, while the spike from the last two days were due to new clusters at immigration depots among foreigners,” he said. “Despite returning to double digits, we are still worried about another spike in cases because of visits during Raya and interstate travel,” he said. (Malay Mail)
Employers have 3 months to follow new rules on foreign workers’ housing
The government is giving employers three months to comply with amendments to the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 that addresses living conditions of migrant workers in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the government is allowing for a grace period up to Aug 31 for employers to make arrangements and provide proper accommodation according to guidelines for foreign workers in all sectors. With the amendments, the criteria has been extended to all sectors that provide accommodation and housing to foreign workers. The amendments were also to enhance the 2018 foreign workers accommodation guidelines prepared by the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department, which encompass minimum standard living space, basic amenities as well as safety and hygiene elements, which need to be prioritised by employers. Enforcement under the Act will begin on Sept 1. (NST Online)
Follow SOP, contractors warned
Contractors who fail to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the conditional movement control order (MCO) at construction sites and workers’ accommodation will not be allowed to start their operations, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. “It is the responsibility of contractors to ensure their construction sites and workers’ accommodation follow the SOP and minimum standards as required by law to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said. Fadillah said Covid-19 infection could happen at workers’ accommodation that was cramped with too many labourers, making it impossible to practise any form of social distancing. The minister said contractors who fail to adhere to the requirements under Act 466 could face action. If contractors fail to abide by any written law, CIDB can take disciplinary action against them, which includes suspension or cancellation of a contractor’s registration. (The Star Online)
Tanco hopes for new interest in Dickson Bay project
Tanco Holdings Bhd hopes to attract new interest for Dickson Bay in Negeri Sembilan amid the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the developer, the development of Dickson Bay is not cast in stone. Dickson Bay is set to evolve its strategies to attract strategic collaborations both from prospective partners, investors, and operators, after having completed 76% of Splash Park. Splash Park is a water theme park, hotel and serviced apartment project in Dickson Bay, which in turn is a 160-hectare sea-fronting integrated resort development in Port Dickson. Dickson Bay has an estimated total GDV of RM13.4 billion and is expected to be developed in various phases over the next 10 years. Tanco had deferred the completion and operations of Splash Park due to Covid-19 countermeasures by the government. (NST Online)
US passes 100,000 coronavirus deaths as states relax lockdown measures
The United States has recorded more than 100,000 deaths from Covid-19, moving past a grim milestone even as many states relax mitigation measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. The US has recorded more deaths from the disease than any other country in the pandemic, and almost three times as many as the second-ranking country, Britain, which has recorded more than 37,000 Covid-19 deaths. The virus has killed more Americans than the Vietnam and Korean wars combined, and the death toll is approaching that of the first world war, when more than 116,000 Americans died in combat. Health experts warn that the United States can expect millions more Covid-19 cases and a tragic number of deaths to come, unless the virus takes an unprecedented and unforeseen vector, or a vaccine is widely administered. (The Guardian)
