Brighter signs of economic recovery for Malaysia, says Ismail Sabri
Malaysia’s economic recovery prospects have brightened with an increase in foreign capital inflows driven by positive developments under the National Recovery Plan (NRP), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. In a Facebook post, Ismail Sabri said this positive indicator has set the tone and direction for a stronger economic recovery for the fourth quarter of 2021. “A total of RM7.7bil was recorded in terms of foreign investor capital inflows in August and this is the highest value since June 2020. This value has also offset outflow recorded two months earlier,” he said. The Prime Minister said foreigners have become the main buyers in the ringgit bond market with net investments totalling RM6.6bil (July 2021). He said as of August 2021, foreign holdings of Malaysian government bonds rose by RM23.9bil to RM226.1bil. The Prime Minister said the government projects that momentum for recovery in the fourth quarter of 2021 will continue next year, in which factors contributing to the country’s growth will benefit Malaysia’s 2022 GDP growth. (The Star)
Schools in Phase 1 remain closed, Phase 3 and 4 to reopen on Oct 3 with 50% capacity
Education Minister Datuk Radzi Jidin has announced that schools are set to reopen from October 3 with 50% capacity in classrooms. However, he said schools in states still under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) will remain closed. As for Phase 2, special needs schools can reopen as well as examination classes like Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), pre-university and sports schools can reopen but also at 50% capacity. The new school year will open on October 3 and last until December 9, 2021, after which students will progress onto the next academic year in March 2022. The three-month holiday from January to March 2022 will be for the ministry to evaluate the proficiency level of students based on their examination results. Meanwhile, for private universities, polytechnics and community colleges, only students who have been fully vaccinated can return to campus while those partially vaccinated will continue with online lessons. (Malay Mail)
Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill to be tabled this year, says minister
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill is being drafted collectively through a special project team and is expected to be tabled in Parliament this year, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun. Rina said the special team comprises representatives from the related ministries and agencies, non-governmental organisations as well as academicians experienced and knowledgeable in the matter. She said the ministry was aware of the constraints in terms of existing laws and policies such as the high burden of proof, the lack of provision of remedies to victims as well as issues of under-reporting which have shunned victims from reporting to the authorities. Rina said although the Bill was still at the review stage, sexual harassment cases were being dealt with through various other acts and regulations. “KPWKM urges victims to continue to come forward to make an immediate report because the existing acts and regulations are being enforced to protect their interests and safety,” she said. (Malay Mail)
Interstate travel still not allowed border roadblocks to stay up
Those in the Klang Valley thinking of travelling to other states will have to wait a while longer as roadblocks bordering Negri Sembilan and Perak remain. While the Klang Valley has moved to Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), which led to the end of inter-district roadblocks, those bordering other states are still being manned. Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed said state police have ended inter-district roadblocks with the transition to Phase Two. Comm Arjunaidi said roadblocks at state borders are still needed as interstate travel is not allowed yet. “We are maintaining the roadblocks at the state borders as well as those leading to highways. It is a must as interstate travel is not permitted and we have to conduct proper checks,” he added. (The Star)
Govt, Opposition still discussing proposed institutional transformation
A proposed memorandum of understanding between the government and the opposition on institutional transformation is still at the discussion level, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said. In this regard, he said a joint statement will be issued once discussions on the matter are concluded. “What we are working on is an initiative on the part of the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to ensure that today’s government is a government that has the political will to implement the transformation agenda,” he said. The Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council said it was inclined to accept a memorandum of understanding offered by Ismail Sabri following a meeting between Opposition leaders and the Prime Minister on Aug 25. Earlier, Annuar confirmed that the Prime Minister has appointed a committee comprising five ministers, including himself, and six more individuals representing PH. (Malay Mail)
Pangkor Island expected to open to fully-vaccinated tourists on Nov 1
Pangkor Island is expected to reopen to tourists who are fully vaccinated from November 1, said Perak Housing, Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi. However, she said the decision to reopen the island is subject to the approval of National Security Council after all information, requirements and standard operating procedure (SOP) have been tabled by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. To achieve herd immunity at Pangkor Island, at least 8,026 people of the island’s total population of 11,500 must be fully vaccinated. In July, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Syukri said Phase Two of Motac’s Covid-19 Free Destination Programme would be extended to popular island resorts such as Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Tioman Island and Pangkor Island. (Malay Mail)
