Jail, RM100,000 fine for those who spread fake news on Covid-19, Emergency
Beginning today (March 12), those who create, publish or disseminate fake news relating to Covid-19 or the Emergency proclamation could face a fine, jail term or both, according to the Federal Government Gazette. According to the new Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021, those who spread fake news “by any means, with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause fear or alarm to the public” could face a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both, if found guilty. The Ordinance states that the courts may order the removal of a publication if it is deemed to be fake news. The law applies to any person involved in the dissemination of fake news both within the country and abroad, regardless of nationality, given that the fake news in question affects Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen. The gazette defines fake news as “any news, information, data and reports, which is or are wholly or partly false relating to Covid-19 or the proclamation of Emergency, whether in the forms of features, visuals or audio recordings or in any other form capable of suggesting words or ideas.” (The Star Online)
UEM Sunrise unit buys Dutch Lady’s PJ factory land for RM200m, plans RM1.3bil project
UEM Land Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Sunrise Bhd, has entered into a conditional SPA to buy a 9.93-acre leasehold piece of factory land and the buildings thereon from Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd at Section 13, Petaling Jaya for RM200 million, with plans to build a RM1.3 billion mixed-use development there. UEM Sunrise said the group plans to launch the project – which will be situated along Jalan Khoo Kay Kim – in the next two to three years. The location is within the Draft Special Area Plan Section 13 Petaling Jaya, identified by Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya to redevelop the area into a commercial hub as part of its urban renewal efforts. With the latest additions, UEM Sunrise’s total land bank stands at 11,092.8 acres, amounting to RM107.9 billion in GDV. Meanwhile, Dutch Lady will continue its manufacturing activities at the Petaling Jaya property as a tenant after the conclusion of the disposal, which is expected to be at the end of this year. (The Edge)
Lendlease eyes more mega projects in Malaysia
Sydney-based property developer Lendlease Group is eyeing more participation in Malaysian mega projects. Its CEO Tony Lombardo said Lendlease would like to position its footprint for a long term in the country. Meanwhile, Lendlease Malaysia managing director and country head Stuart Mendel said the group would continue to focus on making Malaysia an important operation in Southeast Asia. He added that despite COVID-19, current lifestyle and retail development projects at The Exchange TRX (Tun Razak Exchange) were progressing well. Lendlease Malaysia sustainability director Yasmin Rasyid said the company was committed to building climate resilience at The Exchange TRX. Lendlease is also committing to the creation of A$250 million (about RM800 million) of social value by 2025 through shared value partnerships. The Exchange TRX, which is being developed by a 60:40 joint venture between Lendlease and TRX City, is a financial district with a RM10 billion mixed development, comprising residential towers, an office building, retail mall, hotel and rooftop park. (The Star Online)
Malaysia to create 500,000 jobs this year: Tengku Zafrul
The government is set to generate 500,000 job opportunities this year through the National Employment Council (NEC), despite the highly challenging environment. Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government had helped to save 2.7 million jobs through the wage subsidy program worth RM14.4 billion. The government also managed to reduce the unemployment rate from 5.3% in May 2020 to 4.8% in December 2020, he added. “Moving forward, the main focus throughout 2021 will be prioritising direct and indirect assistance to alleviate the burden faced by the people. A study conducted in PPR (People’s Housing Project) areas found that there were still those who did not receive assistance because they were not registered with any government agency involved in channelling assistance,” he said. (NST Online)
Rent exemption, discounts for tenants of federal land, buildings extended, says minister
The federal government has agreed to extend the exemption initiative and 50 per cent discount to tenants of federal land and buildings. said Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. He said the extension of the initiative was based on the objectives outlined by the government in the Malaysian Economic and Rakyat’s Protection Assistance Package (Permai) to support the viability of business. On the initiative for federal land tenants, “A 50% discount on rent for six months from January 1 to June 30 2021 is for all tenants,” he said. To manage the renting of space and premises at federal buildings, Shamsul Anuar said the extension on rent exemption is for September 1 to December 31 2020 to tenants who have been approved from March to August 2020. “The granting of 50% discount is for six months from January 1 to June 30 2021 is for all tenants,” he said. On March 27 last year, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin when announcing the Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package said premises owned by the federal government such as school canteens, nurseries, cafeterias would be exempted from rent for six months including all premises owned by agencies and statutory bodies of the federal government. (Malay Mail)
