Walk-ins for booster shot registrations to begin Monday
Those eligible for Covid-19 booster shots can walk in, call in or email any private vaccination centre (PPV) to register their names on a waiting list starting next Monday. The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force-Booster (CITF-B) said this will also be opened to those who want to get their booster shots earlier than their MySejahtera vaccine appointments. Apart from the eligible vaccine recipients, it said, the waiting list will be for those who have yet to receive their first or second dose of the vaccine. The CITF-B reiterated that booster shots was prioritised for people who fall under six categories: healthcare, security and defence frontliners; individuals aged 18 and above with comorbidities; individuals aged 40 and above; long-term healthcare centre workers and residents; pregnant mothers; and, those who need to travel overseas. “Eligible individuals can refer to the list of participating PPVs that accept the walk-in or phone or email method to register a vaccine booster shot appointment at www.protecthealth.com.my starting Nov 22.” (NST Online)
Hishammuddin: Seven components to be met before transition to endemic phase
A total of seven components need to be met before the country can enter the endemic phase, or reopen safely towards living with Covid-19, says Senior Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. He said this comprised having one standard operating procedure (SOP) with nine guidelines; a Heightened Alert System – HAS; National Testing Strategy; and TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform, Seek). It also entails having an automated a ‘Find, Test, Trace, Isolate, Support’ (FTTIS) system, the gradual reopening of national borders, as well as community empowerment ambassadors. He added that the transition to the endemic phase would be done simultaneously across the country, based on international components, including those set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). “However, all this depends on the Covid-19 Pandemic Management Special Committee, which will be held this week or next week,” he said. (Malay Mail)
Over 70% young Malaysians would consider leaving country for better job prospects
A research by Employment Hero, a complete people, payroll and benefits solution for small to medium-sized businesses, has revealed that 72% of young Malaysian employees are considering leaving the country for better employment opportunities. In the 2021 Employee Movement and Retention Report, it said the number is significantly higher than neighbouring Singapore (55%), with the main reason being better pay and improved career prospects. Employment Hero co-founder and CEO Ben Thompson said the pandemic has given talent many reasons to change direction in their careers or venture overseas as the world opens up. “This is a problem for local employers and should prompt many to reassess their policies, working culture and retention strategies,” he said. “Of those who want to leave their organisation, the top reason is a lack of career development (36%), followed by a lack of appreciation or recognition (27%), and a lack of training opportunities (26%). Beyond this, reasons extended to no pay rise, management woes, feeling overworked, and a lack of flexibility,” the report added. (Malay Mail)
Finance Ministry: 3.6 million EPF contributors have less than RM1,000 in savings
About 3.6 million Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributors have less than RM1,000 in their respective accounts, says the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry said based on assessment as of Sept 30, there had been withdrawals amounting to RM101bil through the i-Lestari, i-Sinar, i-Citra programmes. “Some 6.1 million members have less than RM10,000 in their accounts. From that number, 3.6 million contributors have less than RM1,000,” it said. Though more than 70% of EPF contributors aged between 45 and 59 have savings exceeding RM50,000, the ministry said it was not sufficient for retirement. It said RM50,000 is only able to provide retirement income averaging at RM200 for 20 years, or RM1,000 a month for four years. The i-Lestari, i-Sinar, i-Citra programmes was a series of aids introduced by the government since last year to assist Malaysians to weather the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. (The Star)
Bank Negara to enact Consumer Credit Act in 2022
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is working to enact the Consumer Credit Act in 2022, with the aim of strengthening regulatory arrangements for all consumer credit activities, including providers of “Buy Now Pay Later” schemes. Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said the central bank will be collaborating with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Securities Commission (SC) to enact the Act. “These schemes have been on the rise, not just in Malaysia, but also in other countries and there are legitimate concerns that such schemes may encourage consumers to spend beyond their means, with expensive debt that they may not be able to repay, and most BNPL schemes in Malaysia are offered by non-banks,” she said. The creation of a Consumer Credit Act, which was announced in Budget 2021, aims to provide a regulatory framework for the issuance of consumer credit while also strengthening oversight of non-bank credit providers. (The Star)
Motorcycle e-hailing on hold over safety concerns
The introduction of motorcycle e-hailing services in Malaysia has been put on hold again due to safety reasons, says Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong. He said the ministry, at this time, had no plans to introduce motorcycle e-hailing services based on several aspects, particularly safety issues and passenger welfare. The decision to withhold approval for the service was based on fatalities involving motorcyclists. “Based on statistics from the police released in 2019, some 64% of fatal accidents or about 3,900 deaths out of 6,167 fatalities involved motorcyclists,” he said. There was a decision by the Pakatan Harapan administration in 2019 to conduct a six-month trial to determine if approval should be given for such services. In January 2020, local start-up Dego Ride was to have undergone a six-month trial aimed at regulating the e-hailing service. Some 700 riders signed up with the company. However, the plan was put on hold following the change of government. (The Star)
