Singapore, Malaysia to allow quarantine-free travel between KLIA and Changi from Nov 29
Malaysia and Singapore will allow quarantine-free travel between both countries for individuals fully inoculated against Covid-19 at the end of this month. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong announced that a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) would be launched between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Changi Airport on November 29. Under the VTL, travellers will be only required to take Covid-19 tests in lieu of serving quarantine that was previously mandatory. In the same statement, both governments said that travel across land links between both countries is on the horizon. (Malay Mail)
Malaysia ranks 10th in the world with 77% of total population fully vaxxed
Malaysia is ranked 10th in the world with 77% of its population fully vaccinated, according to the New York Times vaccination tracker, surpassing countries such as Japan, Australia, and South Korea. According to the tracker, the United Arab Emirates ranks first in the world with 89% of its population fully vaccinated as of Nov 8. This was followed by Portugal at 87%, Malta (85%), Singapore (82%), Chile (87%), Cambodia (80%), Spain (79%), Qatar (78%), and Iceland (77%) rounding up the top 10. According to the tracker, South Korea is ranked 16th, while Japan is at 19th. The United Kingdom, meanwhile, is placed at 26th while Australia is at 28th. The United States is at 55th place. (The Star)
Malaysians travelling to US can show vaccination proof on MySejahtera
Fully vaccinated Malaysians travelling to the United States can show their proof of vaccination on the MySejatera app as well as negative Covid-19 test, according to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The embassy said the US accepts proof of vaccination by official sources. These include MySejahtera, CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record card and other official certificates issued by respective countries. “Beginning November 8, foreign nationals travelling to the United States are required to demonstrate proof of full vaccination against Covid-19, in addition to showing proof of a negative Covid-19 test,” it stated. A representative from the embassy assured that the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorised and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. (The Star)
Malaysia on the right track to full recovery, says Muhyiddin
The rapid reopening of economic and social sectors as well as continuous government assistance to help industries and businesses will put Malaysia on the right track to full recovery, says National Recovery Council chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said Malaysia’s GDP is expected to grow by between 5.5% and 6.5% next year, supported by improvements in global trade, stabilised commodity prices, and gradual improvement in consumer and business sentiments following the rapid opening up of its economic sectors and post-vaccination recovery. He stressed that recovery should not only mean bringing the country back to its pre-pandemic economic and social position, but also creating robust growth that will put Malaysia back on track to achieve its developed nation status. He hoped the government would continue to pursue the implementation of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2020-2030. (The Star)
OCR ventures into first industrial development for RM14mil
Integrated property developer OCR Group Bhd has proposed its first venture into industrial development through the acquisition of a 50% stake in OCR Selayang Industrial Park Sdn Bhd for RM14.1 million, to be satisfied by the issuance of 105 million shares. OCR Selayang holds three pieces of freehold industrial lands totalling nearly 600,000 sq ft in Selayang, Selangor, of which two pieces will be subdivided into five saleable industrial detached plots. OCR managing director Billy Ong Kah Hoe said this first industrial land acquisition effectively diversifies its portfolio, which currently consists of residential properties across affordable, mid-range and high-end offerings. (The Sun Daily)
Home Ministry: Govt reviewing laws related to gambling
The government is reviewing the existing laws related to gambling for improvements to ensure that they are relevant to changes in the modus operandi of gambling syndicates, especially online gambling. according to the Home Ministry. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said said it was among the steps taken and planned by the government, especially the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to detect and combat gambling activities carried out either by individuals or syndicates. Ismail said PDRM was also working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block gambling websites, as well as utility companies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and water concessionaires to cut off electricity and water supply to premises often used by gambling syndicates. He added that a total of 2,294 charges involving online gambling were recorded nationwide in 2019; 2,911 charges in 2020; and 2,165 this year. (Malay Mail)
