‘Follow SOP even after jab’
As the national immunisation programme to battle Covid-19 enters its second week, health experts say those who have been vaccinated still need to observe the standard operating procedure to protect the community in general. As of March 11, a total of 249,909 jabs have been administered, mostly to frontliners. The government targets herd immunity with 80% of the population vaccinated by next February. Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said those vaccinated would still need to observe the SOP such as wearing face masks, practising physical distancing and sanitising their hands to protect others who have yet to be vaccinated. Such measures were necessary because it has yet to be established how effective each of the vaccines would be against any new mutations of Covid-19. (The Star)
PR1MA ‘rent-to-own’ housing scheme to be launched in June
The rent-to-own (RTO) housing scheme as announced under Budget 2021 involving PR1MA homes nationwide is expected to be launched this June. Housing and Local Government Minister (KPKT) Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said the ministry is in the midst of discussions and refining on the housing scheme mechanism with banking institutions. “Once the scheme is finalised, we will offer the PR1MA houses that have been approved and we are trying to do this by June,” she said. Last November, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in tabling the 2021 Budget said, the government will be collaborating with select financial institutions to provide an RTO scheme, which will be effective until 2022, involving 5,000 PR1MA homes nationwide with a total value of over RM1 billion, especially for first-time home buyers. (Malay Mail)
Tunku Abdul Rahman’s former residence in Penang for sale for RM62mil
The former residence of Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in Pulau Tikus here is now available on the market for RM62 million. The well-preserved detached double storey heritage mansion sits on 0.6 hectares of land at the corner of Jalan Park and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman in a quiet and leafy neighbourhood regarded as for the affluent. The six-bedroom mansion was listed as refurbished and renovated on several local and international property sites. It is learnt that the property was sold by Tunku’s family after his death. It now belongs to a private company. “We hope the federal government take note of this while the state will get more information on this and look into it,” said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. (Malay Mail)
ECRL extension, ports’ connectivity a significant move — expert
The decision to extend the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) original alignment of 640km to 665km is a very significant move as it will be connected to both North Port and West Port, said an expert. Public transport researcher SM Sabri SM Ismail said without the extension to the ports, ECRL has no direct connection to any port at all, hence, all freight cargoes have to stop at Jalan Kastam, then carried by trucks to the ports or transhipped by KTM trains. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this was the reason why the government had to build a land bridge and optimise the usage of rail, since the primary objective of constructing the ECRL was as a cargo route — 70% cargo and 30% passengers. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said the cargo hub will be able to facilitate seamless rail connectivity from Serendah to economic corridors and ports in Peninsular Malaysia. The ECRL is expected to be ready in 2026. (The Edge)
TNB: Contact us to confirm meter installer’s identification
House owners can contact Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to confirm the identity of smart meter installers to prevent impersonation by certain quarters up to no good. TNB Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project director Mohamed Ghous Ahmad said every residential owner involved in the smart meter installation area would receive a notice before an installation is carried out to inform and to request for an appointment. For strata homes, the resident association or the building management will be informed before an installation is made. Mohamed Ghous said it was compulsory for every worker to wear an orange uniform or vest and produce an identity document to confirm he is a meter installation contractor. He said a team comprising two trained and certified workers, either TNB personnel or contractor staff, would be installing the smart meter. “Consumers can contact the TNB CareLine at 1-300-88-5454 if they are doubtful and keen to obtain a confirmation,” he added. The installation of smart meters, currently being implemented actively in the Klang Valley, is free of charge and would take only about an hour. (Malay Mail)
