First of May, 2022

Today, First of May, 2022, is a memorable day for Malaysians. This  is the day where Covid-19 rules are almost relaxed. After two+ years of pandemic restrictions and all we are once again back to almost, almost pre-Covid-19 days. 

The engine of life can start to churn again as all sectors of business are open, social distancing is relaxed, masks can be done away with in certain places. 

Going back a little, March 18, 2020 was the day Malaysia initiated the MCO (Movement Control Order) and from then until today, the country and her people have gone through a host of many experiences, both Covid-related and more. 

Some info on what activities are permissible...

All sports and recreational activities can be carried out without restrictions from tomorrow (May 1), the sports ministry announced.

Group activities such as aerobics, Zumba, taekwondo training and the like are also allowed without any limit or maximum capacity for participation.

Capacity limits and physical distancing rules have been lifted for spectators and supporters at sports and recreational venues.

However, spectators are still encouraged to observe the physical distancing rule if they do not wear face masks, Bernama reported.

Face masks are not compulsory in open areas and in sports activities indoors, but are required when not doing any sporting activities in enclosed areas.

The ministry said check-in via MySejahtera is not required when entering sports and recreational venues. However, the management is required to check the risk status of their patrons so that those with “high risk” status and those under home surveillance are not allowed to enter.

Tournaments, competitions as well as sports and recreational events at the domestic and international levels are also allowed. Source..

The health ministry reported 2,107 new cases yesterday, which is the lowest recorded in 13 months. This represents the lowest total since April 14 last year when 1,889 cases were reported.

Here's a visual guide to the do's and don'ts to KIV for reference.

Here's another reference from the Malay Mail..

And oh, our borders are open too and visitors are coming back to our shores again.

I would still say, do take very precaution to stay safe. It is still a dangerous place out there, outside of your own home. Take care, better to be safe than sorry. 

Latest CMCO schedule amid spike in Covid-19 cases

It's not beautiful but we have to do it. 

According to Senior Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, stricter regulations may be enforced again if the public fail to follow standard operating procedures (SOP), resulting in a spike in Covid-19 cases. Here's a look at the latest CMCO schedule for the country..

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

For obvious reasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated necessary SOPs to be adhered to, Christmas this year will be celebrated differently around the world. Still, I wish You and your family.. .

30 Things To Know About The CMCO In KL, Selangor, And Putrajaya

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced all but three states in the Peninsula would be placed under the CMCO for four weeks from Nov 9 to Dec 6.

Perlis, Pahang and Kelantan are the three unaffected states.

This also means that the CMCO currently in effect in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will be extended for another four weeks.

From SAYS..

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri has announced a detailed list of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in regards to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) enforced in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya

In a live address on 13 October, the Defence Minister said, "As I have announced yesterday, a detailed list of SOPs in regards to the CMCO in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya will be issued soon."

Well, the list has been issued. Following are the 30 things in the CMCO SOP and guidelines:-

1. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is responsible in enforcing the movement order with the help of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), and The People's Volunteer Corps (RELA).

2. Only two people per household are allowed to leave home to shop for essentials and other items. Those belonging in high-risk groups such as the elderly and children are not encouraged to be outside.

3. Interdistrict and interstate travel is not allowed except for special cases and emergencies for example, in dealing with sickness or a relative's death.

4. Interstate and interdistrict travel is also allowed for work as long as you have a valid working pass and/or a letter from your employer. Those working in their own respective districts do not have to provide a working pass or a letter.

5. Employers must allow workers to work from home. 

6. Residents in other states who would like to travel through the highway and pass through CMCO areas must request for permission from PDRM at police stations. Ismail Sabri noted that the government is working on getting an online system set up for this.

7. Individuals wanting to head to airports in the Klang Valley also have to seek permission from PDRM.

8. In regards to economic activities, all sectors are allowed to operate as per usual. For example, restaurants, stalls, food trucks, and hawkers by the roadside are allowed to carry out business.

9. Restaurants and eateries are only allowed to operate between 6am and 10pm.

10. Take away, delivery, and drive-thru is encouraged, but dine-in is allowed. However, there is a limit of two persons per table.

11. Daily markets are allowed to operate between 6am and 2pm. Wholesale markets are allowed to open from 4am to 2pm. Night markets are allowed to operate between 4pm to 10pm. To ensure people abide with SOPs, the site must be supervised by RELA officials.

12. Petrol pumps are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm. Those at highways are allowed to operate 24 hours.

13. All public transport such as buses, trains, and taxis are allowed to operate as usual. However, for e-hailing vehicles and taxis, only two passengers are allowed at a time.

14. Food delivery services can only operate between 6am and 12am.

15. Government and private hospitals and clinics are allowed to operate 24 hours a day.

16. Pharmacies are allowed to operate from 8am to 11pm.

17. Commercial vehicles working for the economic sector are allowed to operate as usual as well as travel interdistrict and interstate.

18. All sectors related to the food supply chain are allowed to operate as usual.

19. Only six people are allowed to perform congregational prayers at mosques. 

20. Only six people are allowed to be on duty at non-Muslim places of worship.

21. All recreational and cultural activities are not allowed.

22. Entertainment centres such as theme parks, night clubs, and movie cinemas are not allowed to operate.

23. Non-contact outdoor sports with not more than 10 people at a time are allowed.

24. Usage of swimming pools and other contact sports not allowed.

25. Sports with an audience and players from different states are not allowed.

26. All education institutions such as public and private universities, schools, kindergartens, and nurseries are not allowed to operate.

27. Students who are sitting for international tests are allowed to sit for exams.

28. Educational talks, meetings, conventions, and exhibitions are not allowed.

29. Social gatherings such as weddings and birthday parties are not allowed.

30. All tourism activities in and out of CMCO areas are not allowed.

NST has it on a chart..

Joe Biden is the new President of the United States

Over here in Malaysia many of us were just as excited about the Elections in the US keeping abreast of news on vote counts and such.

Joe Biden is the new President making him the 46th President of the United States. Kamala Harris is his Vice-President.

Joe Biden addresses the nation after election victory

From MSN/Independent..

On Twitter he said, "America, I'm honoured that you have chosen me to lead our great country."The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans - whether you voted for me or not."I will keep the faith that you have placed in me."

And in a statement he said it was “time to heal.”

“I am honored and humbled by the trust the American people have placed in me and in Vice President-elect Harris. In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted. Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America,” he said. "With the campaign over, it's time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation. It's time for America to unite. And to heal. We are the United States of America. And there's nothing we can't do, if we do it together."

Watch Kamala Harris' full victory speech

World leaders congratulate Joe Biden on his victory

Watch people across the world celebrate Joe Biden's win

Covid-19 - What's happening around the world (some) and at home

Paris bans nightime food and drink delivery to tackle worsening COVID-19 crisis

Greece ordered a nationwide lockdown on Thursday for three weeks to help contain a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, its second this year after a sharp increase in infections this week. “I’ve chosen to take drastic measures sooner rather than later,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

In Hong Kong, social-distancing restrictions ease..

100,000 cases in a single day push the U.S. into new terrain.

Italy will lock down six regions and prevent many people from crossing between them.

The Italian government announced Wednesday night that it would lock down a significant portion of the country, including the northern regions that are its economic engine, in an effort to stop a resurgent wave of coronavirus infections.

At home here in Malaysia, we are in the third phase, that's right, and sadly more and more clusters of infections are showing up every day and worse, for the past few days we've had deaths every day. 

Of all the states, Sabah on the island of Borneo is hardest hit immediately after state elections were held on September 26. Then infections increased here in the peninsula as people came back after the election campaigning and such. No quarantine was required when they touched down back at the peninsula. Horrors! Right. No one saw the impending danger. Now we are getting the brunt of that action or inaction, rather. Below is current status:

Here's some advice found online..

What food should you avoid during COVID-19?

• When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).

• Limit your daily salt intake to less than 5 g (approximately 1 teaspoon), and use iodized salt.

• Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar.

• Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks).

• Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.

Are smokers at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus disease?

Smoking any kind of tobacco reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death.

How to eat healthy in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Consume enough fibre because it contributes to a healthy digestive system and offers a prolonged feeling of fullness, which helps prevent overeating.

To ensure an adequate fibre intake, aim to include vegetables, fruit, pulses and wholegrain foods in all meals. Whole grain foods include oats, brown pasta and rice, quinoa and whole-wheat bread and wraps, rather than refined grain foods such as white pasta and rice, and white bread.

Good hydration is crucial for optimal health. Whenever available and safe for consumption, tap water is the healthiest and cheapest drink. It is also the most sustainable, as it produces no waste, compared to bottled water.

Can I drink alcohol during the coronavirus disease pandemic?

In particular, alcohol compromises the body's immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, people should minimize their alcohol consumption at any time, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is associated with mental disorders; people at risk or who have an alcohol-use disorder, are particularly vulnerable, especially when in self-isolation.

How long should I exercise for in self-quarantine?

WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week for adults, or a combination of both. The guidance is intended for people in self-quarantine without any symptoms or diagnosis of acute respiratory illness.

Just an idea of the Covid-19 spread worldwide. Details on individual countries can be obtained on Tracking the spread of Covid-19..

Stay safe, everyone..

FMT -- Lawyers warn of Public Outcry if High-profile Corruption Cases Dropped

You could have read bits and pieces here and there. The article below from FMT would probably let you have the whole picture..

Lawyers warn of public outcry if high-profile corruption cases dropped

PETALING JAYA: There will be public outcry against the government if the attorney-general (AG) decides to withdraw serious criminal charges against six Umno MPs, a lawyer warned.

Mohamed Rafique Rashid Ali said some of the cases were in the midst of trials and the public have been following them and learning about some damning evidence from various prosecution witnesses.

“There will also be a trust deficit in the leadership should charges be withdrawn in exchange for political support,” he said.

Rafique said this in response to an interview with Malaysiakini by PKR founding member Syed Husin Ali who believes Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim would abide by a Pakatan Harapan decision not to cooperate with the Umno MPs to form a new government.

There is concern that the PKR president has to cut deals with Pekan MP Najib Razak, who was facing three corruption and money laundering related trials, to muster sufficient numbers in the Dewan Rakyat to become prime minister.

The belief was intensified by reports that Najib and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also facing graft charges, had allegedly written to the King to throw their support for Anwar.

However, Anwar on Tuesday maintains that no deals have been made with any MP facing charges in exchange for their support.

“What I assured them is that there is no political vendetta, but you must accept the due process, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary,” he said at a press conference today.

Apart from Najib and Zahid, who is Bagan Datoh MP, others facing charges are Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan, Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Baling MP Abdul Azeez Rahim and Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin.

Lawyer Syed Iskandar Syed Jaafar al-Mahdzar said under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution, the AG, who is also the public prosecutor, had the discretion to institute and withdraw charges.

He said the integrity of the AG’s office would also be called into question and discredited if high profile prosecutions were discontinued following a change in the country’s leadership.

Lawyer A Srimurugan said a public backlash was imminent if two recent decisions made by the public prosecutor were used as indicators.

“The public and civil society were up in arms when the prosecution withdrew 46 corruption and money laundering charges against former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman in June.

“The month before that, a Sessions Court granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal to Hollywood producer Riza Aziz, who was facing five counts of money laundering amounting to US$248 million,” Srimurugan said, referring to Najib’s stepson, who had allegedly used funds linked to 1MDB.

He added that even the dropping of a corruption case against former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng when PH was in power in 2018 gave the impression that all prosecutorial decisions were dictated by the powers that be.

In the 1MDB audit report trial, Najib is charged with abuse of power in order to obtain immunity from legal action and causing amendments to the finalised 1MDB audit report prior to it being tabled before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Najib is also facing 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering over alleged 1MDB funds amounting to RM2.28 billion deposited in his persona bank accounts.

Najib and former Treasury secretary-general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah are also facing six charges of CBT involving RM6.6 billion of government funds but the trial will begin next year.

Zahid is currently facing 12 charges of criminal breach of trust, eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering, totalling RM117 million in the High Court.

Meanwhile, he is facing another 40 graft charges in relation to the foreign visa system (VLN) though the trial for that case has yet to begin.

Tengku Adnan, who is Umno treasurer, will know on Nov 17 whether he will be acquitted or convicted over a RM2 million corruption case.

On Nov 23, Tengku Adnan’s second corruption case involving RM1 million will begin.

The trial of former Tabung Haji chairman Azeez and his brother, Latif, started in August and three witnesses have been called.

Azeez was charged with three counts of bribery involving RM5.2 million linked to road projects in Perak and Kedah, and nine counts of money laundering involving nearly RM140 million.

Ahmad Maslan was charged with money laundering by not stating his real income on the RM2 million he received from Najib in his 2013 income tax return form.

The Umno secretary-general is also charged with giving false statements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Bung Moktar, a former non-executive chairman of Felcra was charged with three counts of taking a bribe amounting to RM3 million from public mutual investment agents through his wife Zizie Ezette.

Flooding at Kuala Lumpur today

 Kuala Lumpur was in a watery mess today after incessant rain the whole day. Downtown at the Masjid Jamek/Ampang area was like a sea. Traffic was at a standstill, naturally. Check out pictures below (received via WhatsApp - source unknown):