Latest guidelines for Malaysians to enter and exit country
The procedure for exit and entry for Malaysians until the end of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is divided into different categories, said the Malaysian Immigration Department. Those who do not need prior approval from the Immigration Department to leave the country are diplomats and their dependants; students who are continuing their studies; students taking exams; and Long Term Pass holders of other countries. Those who require approval from the department are Malaysian citizens who entered Malaysia during the MCO period; those who have just got job offers; to attend meetings/seminars/exhibitions/on business matters; for emergency matters and those accompanying their children who are studying. Those who want to leave the country for holidays and social visits are not allowed to do so. Moreover, Malaysians who have left the country during the MCO period are allowed to enter the country without seeking prior approval from the Immigration Department. However, they are not allowed to leave the country again without getting permission from the department. Malaysians coming from countries which have been imposed with the recently-announced entry ban, or long term pass holders from these countries are allowed to enter although they exited during the MCO period. (NST Online)
Singapore keen to extend proposed walkway on its side of causeway
The Singapore government has shown interest in extending the proposed covered walkway on its side of the Causeway to reduce congestion and improve public safety. Johor Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the request was conveyed to him by Singapore’s Consulate-General in Johor Bahru, two months ago. Mohd Solihan said Singapore’s intention showed that the republic was also concerned about the pedestrians who had to walk across the Causeway, which was estimated to be used by hundreds of people every day. According to Mohd Solihan, pedestrians were actually prohibited on the Johor Causeway but no action has been taken by the authorities so far. (The Star Online)
Govt to standardise regulations, taxes for hotels, Airbnb
The standardisation of several issues involving the hotel sector and Airbnb,such as regulations, taxes, will be finalised soon, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. He said the move was to give a new lease of life to the tourism industry, especially hotel operators, who are more affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as they are bound by regulations compared with Airbnb operators. It is also part of the government’s efforts to help revive the tourism sector towards restoring the country’s economy, he added. He said discussions on the matter were in progress between the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Housing and Local Government Ministry and the state governments. (Malay Mail)
Census data will be used to form policies
Answering the 108 questions in the Population and Housing Census 2020 (Census 2020) will help to chart the country’s direction and development for the next 10 years. Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the data collected would be impactful and go a long way for the nation as it would be used to form government policies. He said the questions for this cycle were on a wide range of topics and centred on matters that could help Malaysia move forward as a developing country. “We take on the micro approach and envision neighbourhoods to be developed holistically with the infrastructure and amenities that they desire and to be self-sustainable that complements their physical and social wellbeing,” said Uzir. The data, Uzir said, would also assist ministries and government agencies to seek development funds in the annual Budget and serves as a monitoring platform for the implementation of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Uzir said the first finding of the census, which is the country’s profile with information on total population and gender, would be revealed in next January. This will be followed by, in stages, the release of thematic findings on subjects such as education, senior citizens, health and employment. (NST Online)
5,648 unsold housing units in Johor, says state exco
A total of 5,648 housing units of various types in Johor have remained unsold. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Ayub Jamil said the unsold properties include low cost flats and luxury condominiums. “Throughout Johor, there are 5,648 ‘overhang’ properties with the largest number in Johor Bahru involving 4,765 units. “It also involves 290 property units in Batu Pahat, 270 (Kluang), 147 (Kulai) and 86 (Pontian),” he said. Ayub said the state government was finalising a ‘rent to own’ scheme to facilitate the property purchase process in Johor. He said the scheme involved properties priced between RM300,000 and RM1.25 million. (Malay Mail)
