Businesses required to ensure good IAQ under Phase 3 NRP
National Security Council (NSC) requires businesses that have reopened under phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) to ensure the quality of indoor air and ventilation to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Businesses like retail malls, restaurants, laundry shops, vehicle workshops and hair salons are required to adhere to the guidelines on ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) released by the Human Resources Ministry’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Under the guidelines, DOSH recommended opening windows or doors to increase natural airflow, reduce the number of people in a confined air-conditioned space, as well as use of portable air purifiers to enhance indoor air quality. Businesses were also asked to limit temperature checkpoints to only one at the main entrances, as well as limit the number of customers. (The Edge)
Demand for subsale residential units shows growth in first-half 2021
Although the subsale residential segment has always been strong, accounting for 80% to 85% of total transactions in the property market, buyers of subsale units are not ready to pay the asking price of the property owner, as the average selling price in subsale residential is 20% lower than the asking price. iProperty general manager for customer data solutions and quality Premendran Pathmanathan said the difference between the asking price and the actual transacted price is 20% to 25%, depending on the location of the subsale property. “The asking price of high-rise units has begun to drop as there is too much supply out there and owners cannot command prices in the high-rise subsale residential market. Terrace houses do not experience a drop in asking price as they continue to command prices,“ he said. One of the critical factors driving demand recovery in H1 2021 was that property seekers have warmed up to the idea of conducting property searches online as well as browsing for property and following up with property agents online, he added. The increase came mainly from local property seekers as foreign demand, especially from Singapore, remains low with international borders still closed. (The Sun Daily)
Labuan to enter Phase Four of NRP, all business sectors to reopen
Labuan will become the first location in Malaysia to enter Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan due to its high vaccination rate and low Covid-19 cases, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced yesterday. He said the federal territory’s vaccination rate was now 92.4% of its adult population while the previously high demand for ICU treatment due to Covid-19 has been eliminated. “Considering the National Security Council special committee’s decision and Health Ministry’s advice, the government is announcing that Labuan will move from Phase Three to Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan,” he said. This entailed permission for all economic activities to resume subject to applicable standard operating procedures. He also announced that Negri Sembilan will go from Phase One to Phase Two. Ismail Sabri said the announcement of this transition is effective from August 26 in the Federal Territory of Labuan and Negri Sembilan. (Malay Mail)
Forging digital cert is a serious offence, says Bukit Aman
The public must not be involved in any activity connected to forging digital vaccination certificates because it is a serious offence, says Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan. This offence is punishable with a maximum seven-year jail term and RM100,000 fine. He advised those with information on fake digital vaccination certificates to contact the police immediately. Comm Abd Jalil said the police received a report in Kedah on Aug 15 in connection with the forging of digital vaccination certificates. Meanwhile, Melaka police said desperation to get the vaccination certificates had prompted some foreigners to cheat by misusing the MySejahtera app. Investigation showed the foreigner wanted to obtain the digital certificate to enjoy the privilege of those who are fully vaccinated. (The Star)
EIA shows Kulim airport mega project poses threat to water supply
The proposed Kulim International Airport (KXP) project may put the water supply of Penang and southern Kedah at risk, says the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). Its CEO Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) report has revealed that it may contaminate Sungai Muda, Kedah, and thereby jeopardise water supply services. “The EIA report states that the construction and operational phases of KXP and its aerotropolis (business, commercial and industrial park) may cause river blockages, water contamination and degradation of water quality,” he said. “A massive development project along the banks of Sungai Muda must not endanger or jeopardise the water supply services that support the well-being of 1.78 million people and thousands of businesses,” he said. Jaseni pointed out that an airport cannot be built in a location that places water supply services at high risk. He noted that the large-scale construction work on the project represented a short- to medium-term threat to the water supply. “The long-term operations of the airport and aerotropolis, SLAM hub and other development components of KXP will represent a long-term threat to the sustainability of good water supply services in Penang and southern Kedah,” he said. (The Star)
AirAsia rolls out ride-hailing service
AirAsia Group Bhd has launched its very own ride-hailing services dubbed as Airasia ride as the airline industry continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic and travel bans. The service is available on the Airasia.com app, which already offers services such as food and grocery delivery. AirAsia chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the group is also planning to roll out its ride-hailing service in other countries including Thailand and Indonesia. Airasia Super App CEO Amanda Woo said Airasia ride drivers would not only focus on moving people but also moving packages and food. Presently, Airasia ride has about 1,500 registered drivers and it is expected 5,000 to come on board in the next six months. “AirAsia ride not only brings you from point A to B, but we offer a complete user experience for our passengers – pre-flight, during flight and post-flight,” she added. “Next in the pipeline would see us venturing into express delivery, drone delivery and Airasia money,” said Fernandes. (The Star)
