Three new coronavirus cases confirmed, bringing total to seven cases in M’sia
The Health Ministry has confirmed three more cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), bringing the total number of such cases in Malaysia to seven. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that two out of the three new cases were from amongst the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group. Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients. “All of the (seven) positive 2019-nCoV cases are Chinese nationals,” he said. The 2019-nCoV, which originated from Wuhan, China has so far claimed 107 lives there and infected over 4,000 people in more than 15 countries. (The Star Online)
MAPS theme park in Perak closed until further notice, 265 employees compensated
The RM520mil Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) will be closed from Tuesday (Jan 28) until further notice. The 265 permanent and contract employees will be given due compensation in accordance with the Employment Act 1955. The closure notice was issued by the Receiver and Manager of Animation Theme Park Sdn Bhd (ATP) from Messrs Ernst & Young. MAPS was opened to the public in June 2017. (The Star Online)
Works Minister: Govt to focus on addressing economic and racial issues
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s top priority currently is to address economic and racial issues in the country, Works Minister Baru Bian said today. He said the federal Cabinet has been informed that based on a study done these two issues are the top challenges being faced by the country at the moment. Baru, who is also Sarawak PKR chief and Selangau MP, said the government will give special emphasis and focus towards Sarawak in the coming years, starting this year. “If you look from the perspective of development, the special focus is to narrow the gap between Sarawak and other states,” he said adding that other states in Peninsular Malaysia are very far ahead in terms of development. (Malay Mail)
New operating hours for Pos Malaysia branches from Feb 1
Beginning February 1, all Pos Malaysia branches and Pos Laju Centres will be open every Saturday, except the third Saturday of each month and public holidays. Pos Malaysia announced today in its official Facebook account that the new operating hours did not include post offices in shopping centres, Pos Laju kiosks and post offices which operate five days a week. For more information on the operating hours, visit Pos Malaysia website. (Malay Mail)
Malaysia more proactive in containing coronavirus infections compared to SARS in 2002
Malaysia has been more prepared and proactive, and has also acted faster in containing the novel coronavirus compared to previous times when faced with dangerous infections such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), the Nipah virus and Ebola. Infectious disease specialist Datuk Dr Christopher K. C. Lee said that its experience in containing these past infectious diseases had made Malaysia more prepared to deal with such situations, and this included having more thermal scanners which have been placed at all entry points into the country, as well as its actions in isolating coronavirus cases and placing suspected cases under quarantine. He said swift measures such as these were important in reducing potential local transmissions of the virus in the country. The spread of the virus had been exacerbated by the increased movement of people within and out of China in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations. (The Sun Daily)
