Friday, 24 April 2020

MCO Phase 4 from April 29 to May 12

MCO Phase 4 from April 29 to May 12

The Movement Control Order (MCO), currently in its third phase, has been extended by another two weeks until May 12.

This was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in a special televised broadcast today.

Muhyddin also did not rule out the possibility of another extension beyond May 12, subject to how the situation develops.

"During this period, the government will study the latest data from the Health Ministry to determine the next steps.

"I do not discount the possibility that the MCO may be extended beyond May 12, therefore you may not be able to celebrate Hari Raya in your kampung," he said.

Muhyiddin added that if cases continue to show a downward trend, the government may slightly relax MCO regulations in stages to include several sectors including the social sector.

He also said the government will also allow university students in hostels to return home.

The process to facilitate the movement of some 100,000 students, he added, will be done on the advice of the Health Ministry.

Before they are allowed to go home, all students must be healthy and do not display any Covid-19 symptoms.

"The government may consider a one-time journey for Malaysians who have gone back to their hometowns before the MCO was enforced, to return to their homes.

"As this would involve a big number of people, the government is gathering data and studying the best methods to allow this movement."

Muhyiddin said those who needed to do so would need to register online or make an appointment at the nearest police station.

The MCO was implemented by the government on March 18 as a measure to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.

On March 25, Muhyiddin announced that the first phase of the MCO, which ended on March 31, would immediately be succeeded by a second phase, lasting until April 14.

A third phase was then announced from April 15 to April 28.

~New Straits Times~

Wednesday, 22 April 2020

MAS: All passengers must wear face masks, starting Thursday (April 23)

MAS: All passengers must wear face masks, starting Thursday (April 23)

All Malaysia Airlines passengers are now required to bring and wear their own protective masks effective April 23, 2020, at touch-points such as check-in, boarding, in the aircraft cabin, disembarkation and collection of baggage on arrival to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

This requirement applies to all passengers (excluding infant) travelling on all Malaysia Airlines’ domestic, international and charter flights, to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of each passenger and airline employee, it said in a statement here Wednesday (April 22).

Malaysia Airlines will not accept passengers that do not have/wear a face mask at the time of check-in and boarding, it stressed.

"For passengers’ own comfort, especially on long haul flights, you are advised to bring additional masks and hand sanitisers for your own use.”

Passengers are also reminded to respect the personal space of others and observe social distancing where required and to comply with other safety measures in our pre-departure and arrival processes to ensure you have a safe journey.

The safety of its passengers and staff is of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines. - Bernama

Wednesday, 1 April 2020

Taxis and e-hailing vehicles to operate from 6am to 10pm

Taxis and e-hailing vehicles to operate from 6am to 10pm 

Taxi, e-hailing and delivery services will only be allowed to be on the road for specific hours daily from today during the extended movement control order (MCO), says the Transport Ministry.

“From April 1 onwards, during the MCO, taxis and e-hailing vehicles are allowed to operate from 6am to 10pm.

“Delivery services are allowed to operate between 8am and 8pm, ” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

The ministry is encouraging logistics and transportation companies involved with delivering essential goods to do so between 7pm and 7am, the most unhindered movement during the extended MCO.

It said operational hours under the MCO for stage buses, express buses, trains and their terminals continue to be limited to 6am to 10am and 5pm to 10pm as announced previously.

The statement said the restriction, covering the two-week extended MCO period, was necessary in line with the government’s efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infections and put the country on the path to full recovery.

“Several difficult decisions had to be made under the second phase of the MCO from April 1-14.

“For measures related to public transportation, they are aimed to further reduce person-to-person contact on buses, rail services, taxis and in e-hailing services, and break potential chains of infection on these modes of transportation, ” the statement added.

The ministry reminded passengers to adhere to regulations and social distancing practices, including reducing crowding while using public transportation during the extended MCO period.

~The Star~

Monday, 30 March 2020

Monday, 23 March 2020

Penang-Langkawi ferry service suspended

Penang-Langkawi ferry service suspended

THE ferry service from Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal to Langkawi will be temporarily halted from today till March 31, said Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chief executive officer Sasedharan Vasudevan.

Passenger ridership, he said, had dwindled from around 150 to only about 20 people per ferry since the movement control order (MCO) started on Wednesday.

“Operation of the two ferries will be temporarily stopped.

“The ferries run by private companies were taking about 220,000 people a year, but with the MCO, it is not profitable to operate during this period.

“People mainly visit Langkawi either for leisure or work, and presently, both are not possible since all are staying home or working from home, ” said Sasedharan.
v The scene at the port in George Town was quiet, where people usually gather near the ground transport area to board the ferries and cruise liners.

The gates leading to the main Penang Port Commission office were also locked, barring outsiders from entering the premises.

Meanwhile, the Penang International Airport was a picture of calm, with both the arrival and departure lounges being quite deserted.

Only a handful of passengers, all in masks, were waiting for domestic flights, while the electronic flight information board showed the ‘Cancelled’ sign for most of the flights.
v Major fast food outlets at the departure lounge were empty with only several people at the counters for takeaways.

~The Star~

Tuesday, 17 March 2020

Restricted movement for 14 days

Restricted movement for 14 days



Public measure: The movement control order will limit congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.

PETALING JAYA: A movement control order will be imposed from tomorrow until the end of the month to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Prime Minister announced the measure after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) last night.

“The government has decided to enact the measure, starting March 18 until March 31, throughout the whole country.

“This order is being issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, ” he said during a special broadcast.

The measure will restrict the movement and congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.

While public and business premises will be closed, Muhyiddin announced that supermarkets, sundry shops and other shops which sell daily essentials will remain open.

Overseas travel for Malaysians will be restricted while those returning to the country must undergo health checks and voluntary quarantine.

Educational centres and schools, including higher learning institutions, will also be closed during this period.

The Prime Minister assured the public that essential services will continue.

These include health services, utilities such as fuel and electricity, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, police and those involved in the food supply chain.

Muhyiddin said he will chair daily NSC meetings and periodic updates will be announced to the public.

He also urged for all Malaysians to be patient during these trying times and to comply with the restrictions.

He assured the public that enough food and essentials are available, including face masks.

But at the same time, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will monitor the supply of these items.

“I realise the public might feel these actions create difficulties and hardships during their day to day lives. However, such action must be taken by the government to contain the outbreak.

“We cannot wait any longer for the situation to turn more dire. Drastic measures have to be taken immediately, ” he said.

He urged the public not to panic and remain calm.

“I believe that with these measures, we will be able to contain the outbreak soon, ” he said.

Muhyiddin also thanked those directly involved in combating the Covid-19 outbreak, including health officers and public servants who have been working around the clock.

“I pray that you will remain strong in performing your duties for the country to ensure public safety, ” he said.

~The Star~

Wednesday, 11 March 2020

Value-for-money fun for Penangites

Value-for-money fun for Penangites



Take advantage of the promotion until May 22 to enjoy an exciting day at The Top Penang.

The Top Penang is now offering a 50% discount on its Top Day Fun Pass that includes entry to over 15 exciting attractions.

Valid till May 22, the promo lets adults pay only RM48 (instead of the normal rate of RM99). For children and seniors, the price is just RM30 (normal rate RM58).

You will be hard-pressed to find better value for money elsewhere. So wait no more and gather the entire family for an entertaining and informative day out.

The Top Penang is located in the Tun Abdul Razak Building (more popularly known as Komtar) in central George Town.

Created by Only World Group, The Top is billed as the state’s ‘Highest Iconic Edutainment Tower’ and ‘Largest Indoor Theme Park’ thanks to its myriad attractions all under one roof.

The promo is part of the state government’s Experience Penang 2020 programme and Penang Lang 50% Off Campaign aimed at boosting domestic tourism in light of global coronavirus fears.

The Top Penang is definitely worth a visit. Spread across levels 3,4 and 5 are attractions such as Penang State Gallery and Durian King of Fruits Museum.

At the gallery, visitors can learn about Penang’s history and how it came to be known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ while the museum highlights how the fruit is grown.

Meanwhile, the Jurassic Research Centre will transport you back hundreds of millions of years to see over 200 dinosaurs come alive.

Visitors can also dive into the abyss with the Ocean Explorer and get up close and personal with majestic marine life.

Other attractions to explore include the Top Boutique Aquarium, Tech Dome Penang, Musical Carousel, Zombie Outbreak, Magic Mirror Maze, UFO-X, 7D Motion Discovery Theatre, Dance Oki and Dyno Gym.

High-speed elevators will whisk you to the Level 65 Observatory Deck where panoramic 360-degree views await. See George Town, Penang island and even Seberang Prai from a different perspective up high.

Brave yourselves to try the glass Rainbow Skywalk on Level 68 too.

Visitors can top up RM5 to enjoy the Augmented Reality Virtual Greatest Show with 3D interactive video animation. You will get to be ‘the star’ of your own show (normal rate RM21 for adults and RM11 for children).

Endless fun awaits at The Top Penang so plan your visit today. The 50% off promotion is valid only for walk-in purchases of admission tickets at the ticketing counters.

One also has to show proof of being a Penangite. Only bearers of MyKads with the Penang state codes of 07,34 and 35 or a Penang residential address are entitled to the discount.

Only original copies of MyKads are accepted. Other terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit thetop.com.my or call 04-262 3800.

Alternatively, follow The TOP on Facebook and thetoppenang on Instagram.

~The Star~