Malaysia coronavirus cases rise to 10, as first patient recovers
Two more cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) have been confirmed in Malaysia, the Health Ministry revealed today. The first case is a 41-year-old Malaysian man – the first local to test positive for the infection. The second is a 63-year-old man from Wuhan, China, who arrived in Malaysia on Jan 18. The two latest confirmed infections bring the tally of cases in the country to 10. Meanwhile, a four-year-old girl from China, admitted at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi after being infected, has recovered and allowed to return home. She is the first of 10 patients in Malaysia – nine of them Chinese nationals – to have been cured from the infection. Chinese health authorities had announced Monday that a total of 475 patients had been discharged from hospitals after recovery by Sunday. (NST Online)
Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 kicks off with RM520m GDV business park
Sime Darby Property Bhd has kick started its first project under the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 development with the groundbreaking of XME Business Park in Nilai Impian, Negeri Sembilan. Spanning 69.72 acres of freehold land, the business park will be the first managed industrial park in Negeri Sembilan, with a GDV of RM520 million. Comprising 149 units, the park will be developed over two phases. Phase 1, launched in December 2019, consists of 75 units of semi-detached and detached types, with a GDV of RM307 million and is targeted to be completed by November 2021. (The Edge)
Long awaited pedestrian bridge Saloma Link opens today
Walkability in the city will get a huge boost when the Saloma Link, a new pedestrian bridge, opens at 2.30pm today. The link offers a seamless connection between Kampung Baru and Jalan Ampang, at a spot near KLCC. The link was commissioned by the Kampung Bharu Development Corporation (PKB). Kampung Baru and the KLCC area are separated by the Klang river, and the six-lane Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh). PKB chief executive officer Zulkurnain Hassan said the Saloma Link stretches for 370m, but the span that crosses the highway and river is 69m long. Though not exceptionally long by modern standards, construction of the steel bridge faced many technical and logistical challenges, as it has to cross an expressway, which has to be kept open. The bridge’s architecture is inspired by the sireh junjung (betel nut leaf arrangement) concept, which is an integral part of a Malay wedding. However, the bridge will not be open round-the-clock to prevent vandalism. PKB is likely to follow the operating hours of the Kelana Jaya LRT, which ends near midnight. Construction of the walkway took about 18 months and cost RM31mil. (The Star Online)
Malaysia’s 2019 exports decline, first full-year drop in a decade
Malaysia’s exports in 2019 contracted 1.7% to RM986.4 billion, the first decline since 2009, raising concerns over the country’s trade performance this year amid the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. “There were some early signs of recovery for Malaysia’s exports prior to the coronavirus outbreak. However, there is now uncertainty over the extent the outbreak will affect manufacturing supply chains in the region. Malaysia’s import dependence on China is relatively high for manufactured goods and transport equipment. There are also risks that the virus outbreak may derail China’s ability to fulfil the Phase One trade deal which is supposed to take effect in mid-February, while a global tech down cycle could drag beyond mid 2020,” said UOB Research. Total trade for 2019 was down 2.5% to RM1.84 trillion, in tandem with softer global demand amid trade tensions and unfavourable external economic conditions. Imports declined 3.5% to RM849.01 billion. (The Sun Daily)
Public told not to engage in panic buying of face masks
The public have been reminded not to engage in panic purchasing of face masks amidst the dwindling supply of the item due to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said such actions would cause uneasiness and tension among the people. The rising fear among the public over the coronavirus led to a high demand for surgical face masks and hand sanitisers since last month. Saifuddin also said that after a meeting held between the ministry, suppliers and importers last week, these local manufacturers and importers have been told to increase their supply. Saifuddin reminded retailers not to hike prices of the item as it is under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. Companies found selling the controlled items above the maximum prices set can be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000, if convicted. (NST Online)
