Malaysia, Indonesia to start phased travel corridor
Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to implement a travel corridor between the two countries through the Travel Corridor Arrangement or Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangement, as both countries are recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the relevant ministers will refine the initiative so that the border between the two countries — involving the Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur-Bali-Kuala Lumpur routes — could be opened. “A joint statement will be made to announce the opening of the border between Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said in a joint press conference with President Joko Widodo. The prime minister also gave his assurance that the MoU on Recruitment and Protection of Indonesian Domestic Workers in Malaysia between the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia and the Ministry of Manpower of Indonesia will be finalised as soon as possible. (Malay Mail)
Finance minister: Malaysia’s economy expected to grow 3%-4% this year
The Malaysian economy is expected to grow between 3% and 4% this year, said Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He said this is supported by stronger external demand and robust trade activities, a ramp-up in commodity production and the materialisation of pent-up demand as well as continued investment in large-scale infrastructure projects. The recovery is expected to continue next year, with growth ranging from 5.5% to 6.5%. Tengku Zafrul said the year 2022 is a critical year for Malaysian economic recovery as the government expects most sectors and industries as well as employment to gradually recover. “Therefore, through Budget 2022, we have crafted and curated various strategies and initiatives, focusing on the rakyat’s wellbeing, businesses, and a prosperous and sustainable economy,” he said. Worth RM332.1 billion, the expansionary budget considers the aspiration of Keluarga Malaysia, and is aligned with the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). (Malay Mail)
RDA to be set up to develop Sabah-Kalimantan border town
A proposal to set up Serudong Regional Development Authority (RDA) will be tabled during the state 2022 budget assembly sitting next month. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the RDA would help to manage the new border township at Serudong, Kalabakan, that would be one of the four entry points from Kalimantan, Indonesia, to Sabah. The other entry points are at Long Pasia, Pagalungan and Sebatik. “The State Government is ready to ensure that the border township will be developed as planned, in anticipation of major development that will take place with Indonesia’s plan to move its capital to East Kalimantan. The border township will include industrial and commercial zones, housing and other facilities to be developed around the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) centre,” he said. The RDA’s functions are to act as the local authority too and oversee infrastructure, economic and social developments. (NST Online)
No takers for 5G plan as major telcos balk over pricing, transparency
None of Malaysia’s major mobile carriers have agreed to use the government’s 5G network yet due to transparency and pricing issues, ahead of a rollout planned for next month, a state agency and industry executives said. However, state-owned network wholesaler Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) told Reuters it still hoped to launch 5G services in three urban centres, as talks continue with mobile operators. DNB confirmed that no agreement with carriers has been reached and acknowledged its initial timeline for negotiations had been “too optimistic”. The agency will now seek to have formal long-term agreements early next year and continues talks to deploy 5G services in three central areas, including the capital Kuala Lumpur, next month. Carriers, which had already invested in infrastructure upgrades to support 5G services, are concerned the 5G network plan would result in a nationalised monopoly, hurting their business and limiting their access to future technology, said seven current and former industry sources. (The Star)
IMBRT is now known as Iskandar Rapid Transit
Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) is now officially known as Iskandar Rapid Transit. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammad said Johoreans were excited and looking forward to welcoming the new integrated public transport service in Iskandar Malaysia and the first comprehensive Bus Rapid Transit system in Malaysia. “With our vision for Iskandar Malaysia to be a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing by 2025, we believe Iskandar Rapid Transit will increase the mobility of the people in the state and become the backbone of the public infrastructure connecting to the main transportation hubs in Iskandar Malaysia, Senai Airport, Rapid Transit System, Larkin Sentral and Puteri Harbour,” he said. The Iskandar Rapid Transit, when fully implemented, would be able to connect 55 feeder routes and 44 direct routes with the main route covering 28 stations. (The Edge)
Khairy: Around 40% booster dose recipients fail to turn up for appointments
Around 40% of people getting their vaccine booster appointment dates under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) are not showing up for the jab, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. Khairy said the number of hospitalisation will increase if the number of booster take-ups remains low. Hence, he urged those who had received their appointment dates to go and take the jab as it will strengthen their immunity and protection against Covid-19. Booster dosing began nationwide on October 13 for fully vaccinated individuals to ensure that the immunity received after completing their doses can be maintained for an optimal period, especially against Delta variant infections. (Malay Mail)
