Omicron in Europe before SAfrica reported first cases

In Germany, the next chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated his support for compulsory Covid vaccines. – AFP photo

The Omicron coronavirus variant was present in Europe before the first cases were reported in South Africa, new data from the Netherlands showed Tuesday, as Latin America reported its first two cases in Brazil.

In the week since the new virus strain was reported to the World Health Organization by South Africa, dozens of countries around the world have responded with travel restrictions — most targeting southern African nations.

But the World Health Organization warned Tuesday — as Canada expanded its restrictions to also include Egypt and Nigeria — that “blanket” travel bans risked doing more harm than good.

And the likely futility of broad travel restrictions was underscored as Dutch authorities reported that Omicron was present in the country before South Africa officially reported its first cases, on November 25.

The new variant — whose high number of mutations the WHO believes may make it more transmissible or resistant to vaccines — was found in two Dutch test samples from November 19 and 23, with one having no travel history.

With countries now on alert for the Omicron variant, a clearer picture is emerging by the day of where it has been circulating, and for how long.

So far, well over a dozen countries and territories have detected cases, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy and Portugal.

Among European countries, Belgium and Germany have both reported cases of the new strain prior to November 25, but both linked to foreign travel.

Latin America reported its first two cases Tuesday — in people who traveled from South Africa to Brazil — and a first case was confirmed in Japan, one day after it barred all foreign arrivals.

– Vaccine-resistant? –

While much is still unknown about the Omicron variant — it could take weeks to determine whether and to what extent it is vaccine-resistant — it has highlighted that the global fight against Covid-19 is far from over.

Asian, European and US markets all fell on Tuesday, while the benchmark US oil price tumbled more than five percent after the boss of vaccine manufacturer Moderna warned existing jabs might be less effective against the new variant.

“All the scientists I’ve talked to … are like ‘this is not going to be good’,” Moderna boss Stephane Bancel told the Financial Times, warning against a “material drop” in the effectiveness of current jabs against Omicron.

Moderna, US drugmaker Pfizer and the backers of Russian vaccine Sputnik V are already working on an Omicron-specific vaccine.

On the treatment front, meanwhile, a panel of US health experts voted Tuesday to endorse Merck’s Covid pill for high-risk adult patients, which is already authorised in Britain.

– ‘Heavy burden’ –

In a briefing to WHO member states, the body’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was understandable for countries to seek to protect their citizens “against a variant we don’t yet fully understand”.

But he called for the global response to be “calm, coordinated and coherent”, urging nations to “take rational, proportional risk-reduction measures”.

The UN agency cautioned in a travel advisory that “blanket” travel bans risked placing a “heavy burden on lives and livelihoods” and could ultimately dissuade countries from sharing data about the evolving virus — as South Africa did in reporting the latest variant.

But it did advise that people not fully vaccinated and considered vulnerable to Covid-19, including over-60s, should put off travel to areas with community transmission of the virus — after correcting a previous statement that indicated all over-60s should defer travel.

– Tougher measures –

Omicron has emerged as much of the world was already bracing for a new winter wave of the pandemic — leaving even nations with high vaccination rates scrambling to stem infections and prevent health services from being overwhelmed.

Governments, particularly in western Europe, have already reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing, social-distancing measures, curfews or lockdowns — leaving businesses fearing another grim Christmas.

In Germany, incoming Chancellor Olaf Scholz said parliament would vote on making Covid vaccines compulsory by the end of the year — and a source from Scholz’s party told AFP he had “signalled his sympathy” for such a rule.

Greece went ahead Tuesday in making vaccines compulsory for over-60s, while Norway will offer booster shots to all adults before Easter, as preferable to a lockdown.

Britain meanwhile set a target of delivering third jabs to all adults within two months, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying vaccination centres would be “popping up like Christmas trees.” – AFP

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Serian man killed after motorcycle rear-ended by car

Police photo shows Armani’s crushed motorcycle at the scene of the accident.

KUCHING (Dec 1): A 54-year-old motorcyclist died after his bike is believed to have been rear-ended by a car at KM80 Jalan Kuching-Sri Aman around 10.50pm last night.

In a statement today, Sarawak Traffic Investigation and Enforcement chief Supt Alexson Naga Chabu said the deceased suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from Serian Hospital.

“During the accident, the deceased identified as Armani Tangga from Kampung Antauan Keropok, Serian, was flung onto the car’s windshield before he fell onto the road,” said Alexson.

He said the driver of the car, a 36-year-old from Kampung Telagus, Simunjan, and his 24-year-old male passenger did not suffer any physical injuries.

The preliminary investigation showed that the weather at the time of the accident was fair and took place along a straight section of road where there was no street lighting.

Armani’s body has been transferred to the Serian Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

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Three students killed in US high school shooting: police

The deadly shooting took place at Oxford High School in Michigan. – AFP photo

A 15-year-old student allegedly opened fire at a high school in rural Michigan on Tuesday, killing three other students before being taken into custody, police said.

Six others, including one teacher, were wounded in the attack, which took place shortly after noon at Oxford High School, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

A second-year student was taken into custody and a handgun was seized, but there was no immediate explanation for what prompted the attack in Oxford, a small town about 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Detroit.

“There was no resistance during the arrest and the suspect has asked for a lawyer and has not made any statements as to a motive,” the sheriff’s office said.

“It’s a very tragic situation,” Undersheriff Michael McCabe told reporters.

“We have three deceased victims right now, who are all believed to be students,” he said.

“We have lots of upset parents,” he said.

Police said they received more than 100 911 emergency calls shortly after noon, and that the shooter unleashed 15-20 shots over about five minutes from a semi-automatic handgun with more than one magazine.

The suspect was taken into custody within five minutes of the first 911 call, they said.

President Joe Biden was informed of the shooting during a visit to Minnesota.

“My heart goes out to the families enduring the unimaginable grief,” he said.

“You know, that whole community has to be just in a state of shock right now.”

Elissa Slotkin, who represents the district north of Detroit in the US House of Representatives, said she was “horrified” by the shooting.

“I’ve been talking with Oxford leaders, parents and students and we are all praying for the health of those injured, and the well-being of all our young people, many of whom are in shock,” she said in a statement.

– Deadliest school shooting in 2021 –

It was the deadliest school shooting so far this year, according to Everytown For Gun Safety, a group which keeps statistics of mass shootings and lobbies for gun control.

Before Tuesday’s incident, there had been 138 shootings in schools across the United States in 2021, according to figures provided by Everytown. In those incidents, 26 resulted in fatalities, though no more than two each time.

The deadliest school shootings in US history were the April 2007 attack at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, which saw 33 killed, including the shooter, followed by the December 2012 attack on the Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, which left 28 dead, including 20 children and the shooter.

In February 2018, a former student with an AR-15 assault rifle opened fire in his former high school in Parkland, Florida, killing 17, in the deadliest-ever high school shooting. – AFP

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US health panel endorses Merck Covid pill

Merck’s antiviral pill molnupiravir has been shown to reduce the rate of hospitalizations and deaths among high-risk Covid-19 patients when taken soon after infection, according to a clinical trial. – AFP/Handout photo

A panel of US health experts on Tuesday voted to recommend Merck’s Covid pill for high-risk adults — a new form of treatment that is easy to administer and could prove better able to withstand variants, including Omicron.

Molnupiravir, already authorized in Britain, has been shown to reduce the rate of hospitalizations and deaths among people at high risk of developing severe Covid, when it is taken within five days of symptom onset.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which convened Tuesday’s meeting, is now expected to grant an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the treatment, meaning millions of courses will soon be stocked in pharmacies.

The independent scientists appointed by the FDA voted 13 in favor and 10 against authorization — a narrow win that reflected some concerns over a recent downgrading of the treatment’s efficacy results, as well as misgivings over potential side-effects.

Sascha Dublin, of the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, said that while she found the benefits compelling and voted “yes,” it will be important to make sure the treatment is strictly regulated and goes only to patients best suited for it.

Daria Hazuda, Merck’s vice president of infectious disease discovery, told AFP after the vote: “We need as many tools in the toolbox as possible to really make an advance in this pandemic as this virus continues to evolve.”

Last week, Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, released full results from a clinical trial of 1,400 people.

These showed the pill reduced the risk of hospitalizations and death by 30 percent, a significant result albeit more modest than an earlier advertised figure of 50 percent, which was based on an analysis from half the number of patients.

Hazuda told AFP the reason might be an unexplained drop in the rate of severe cases in the placebo group during the second half of the study, which may have made the drug appear less effective than it was.

– Risk-benefit balance –

Briefing documents uploaded by the FDA ahead of the meeting illustrated the benefit-risk balance the experts were asked to assess.

Potential harmful effects were noted on fetal development, as seen in studies on rats and rabbits, and Merck said it would not recommend use of molnupiravir in pregnant women.

The company did not seek authorization for children, and the FDA said it didn’t plan to carry out pediatric trials until safety is established in juvenile rats over concerns related to bone formation.

Currently, the most effective treatment for Covid is monoclonal antibodies, which are administered via a drip and have been shown to reduce the risk of severe cases in high-risk patients by up to 70 percent.

But pills have the advantage of being far more easy to use, and, unlike antibodies, don’t require a visit to an infusion site.

– Variant-proof –

Merck’s treatment is taken as four capsules, twice a day, over five days — for a total of 40 pills.

It was found to be safe in its clinical trial, with non-serious adverse events such as diarrhea and dizziness occurring roughly equally between the placebo group and the drug group.

Molnupiravir, which was developed in partnership with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, works by introducing mutations into the genetic material of the coronavirus, inhibiting its ability to replicate.

It is thought likely to be more variant-proof than monoclonal antibodies or vaccines, because unlike them, it does not target the ever-mutating spike proteins that dot the surface of the virus.

Molnupiravir’s error-driving mechanism has also raised concerns, including that it could harm mammal DNA. In its presentation, however, the FDA said rat studies showed this effect was negligible.

Another worry is whether the mutations the pill introduces might lead to a dangerous evolution of the virus itself, spurring new variants.

This is “currently a theoretical concern,” that hasn’t been found in real life, the FDA said.

“Treating people should reduce the probability that you’re going to transmit these super variants, as opposed to allowing untreated people to transmit the virus,” stressed Hazuda.

The US government has committed to buying 3.1 million courses of molnupiravir for approximately $2.2 billion, with the option to purchase more.

Pfizer is also seeking authorization for a Covid pill that cut hospitalizations and deaths by nearly 90 percent. – AFP

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CovidNow: 96.9 pct of adult population fully vaccinated

Health workers administer Covid-19 vaccines. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): A total of 22,689,471 individuals or 96.9 per cent of the adult population in Malaysia have completed their Covid-19 vaccination as of yesterday.

Based on the Health Ministry’s CovidNow portal, 98.3 per cent or 23,028,508 individuals of the adult population have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, 89.7 per cent or 2,822,370 individuals of adolescents aged between 12 and 17 have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while  86.1 per cent or 2,709,263 have completed the vaccination.

A total of 135,914 doses of the vaccine were dispensed yesterday, with 8,313 of them as second dose, 4,703 doses to first dose recipients and 122,898 as booster dose.

This brings to a total of 53,517,981 doses of the vaccine having been administered under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme as of yesterday, with 2,457,510 doses as booster dose. – Bernama

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Malaysia records 55 more Covid-19 deaths, including eight brought-in-dead

Health workers pray after burying a Covid-19 patient. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): Malaysia reported an additional 55 deaths due to Covid-19 as of 11.59pm yesterday, including eight who died before reaching hospitals.

The Health Ministry’s CovidNow portal showed that the total number of Covid-19 deaths logged in Malaysia since the pandemic started was now 30,425, including 6,153 who were brought in dead.

Over the last two weeks, Malaysia had 16 Covid-19 deaths per one million people.

Over the same two week period, Terengganu had the highest number of Covid-19 deaths at 54 per one million people, followed by Kelantan at 30, Perak at 23, while Melaka and Pahang also recorded numbers higher than the national figure at 19 and 18 deaths per one million people respectively.

In the past seven days, the 305 Covid-19 deaths recorded in Malaysia involved 61 individuals in the age group of 80 and above, 80 persons in the 70-79 age group, 87 (60-69 age group), 41 (50-59 age group), 21 (40-49 age group), nine (30-39 age group), five (18-29 age group), and one in the age group of zero to four years old.

Infections by state

Out of the 4,879 new Covid-19 cases reported yesterday, the highest numbers were recorded in Selangor at 1,097 cases, followed by Kelantan at 574, Johor (494), Kedah (412), Sabah (401), Kuala Lumpur (388), Pahang (321), and Penang (311).

The rest were reported in Perak at 210 cases, Terengganu (200), Negeri Sembilan (148), Melaka (139), Sarawak (98), Perlis (44), Putrajaya (40), and two in Labuan.

The new Covid-19 cases yesterday brought the cumulative total of cases reported so far in Malaysia to 2,632,782 cases.

Out of this 2.6 million figure, 96.37 per cent or 2,537,204 have recovered, including 5,168 newly recorded yesterday as having recovered.

As of midnight, there are now 65,153 active Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, with 81.3 per cent or 52,954 under home quarantine, 10 per cent or 6,539 in quarantine and treatment centres, and 7.9 per cent or 5,151 currently hospitalised.

Another 0.4 per cent of the active cases or 257 patients are in intensive care units (ICU) without requiring respiratory support, while another 0.4 per cent or 252 patients in ICUs had to be intubated. — Malay Mail

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To encourage Covid-19 vaccination in Malaysia, Ipsos study reveals peer pressure and ‘influencers’ may be key

A medical worker administers a dose of Covid-19 vaccine. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): A recent survey has shown that other people, especially those deemed important, play a massive role in influencing and encouraging others to intensify their intent to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The recent study carried out by market analysts Ipsos in collaboration with researchers from Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, showed that the intention to vaccinate among the public is at an optimum level when they are nudged by people who are important to them.

“These ‘influencers’ are critical in the decision-making process about the take up of vaccines. This suggests that identifying the ‘influencers’ who can promote vaccine uptake in the population is the way forward to ensure behavioral change among hesitant individuals.

“Cues to action are captured by media attention and interpersonal discussion. Media attention has, in the past, focused on older people with comorbidity issues, and little attention was placed on the younger group.

“Given that the youth are less likely to take up vaccination, the targeted design of persuasive messages to different age groups could facilitate behavioral change,” it said in a report.

The survey also found that the general public’s trust in vaccines influences three things: firstly an individual’s assessment about the risk of being infected, secondly an individual’s beliefs about the seriousness of infections of Covid-19, and thirdly the perceived benefits of vaccination for both the registered and non-registered respondents.

In addition, the researchers pointed out that although vaccination against Covid-19 in Malaysia has progressed well, with 94.3 per cent of the adult population having completed their two doses of vaccination, vaccine hesitancy may remain a challenge with the rollout plan for the third booster dose.

At the same time, there are still pockets of people within the population who have resisted vaccination, researchers said.

Perception towards Covid-19 vaccine

As for findings on perception towards the Covid-19 vaccine, researchers discovered that the intention to get vaccinated increased with age and education.

“Intention is higher among older age groups who are more vulnerable to severe illness from Covid-19.

“Higher intention among females may be attributed to women being more health conscious than men.

“Nevertheless, it is concerning that 21 per cent of males; 32 per cent of the 18 to 30 age group; and 24 per cent of the lower educated group are either unsure or have no intention to get vaccinated,” researchers said.

The study also found that there is a need to improve awareness campaigns to inform about individual benefits and its subsequent spillover into community benefits to further boost vaccination intention.

“Malaysians in all groups recognise that Covid-19 being a community-driven disease, the community is the greater beneficiary of vaccination,” researchers said.

From the study, researchers found that youths have a less positive attitude towards vaccines.

“A lower proportion of the youth has a positive attitude towards vaccination. A higher proportion of women, the elderly and the highly educated have a positive attitude towards vaccination,” researchers said.

As for what can encourage youths to get vaccinated, researchers said social cues could do the trick.

Researchers found that older people who are more at risk likely experience strong encouragement from their circle of family and friends to get vaccinated.

“Youth are less likely to get cues from their peer group who have lower intention to get vaccinated,” researchers said.

Researchers added that as vaccination against Covid-19 in Malaysia progresses at a rapid pace, the main challenge will gradually shift from procurement and distribution of vaccines to ensuring the broadest possible acceptance among all segments of the population.

“This is against a backdrop of a significant portion of the population who are either undecided or have no intention to get vaccinated.

“A particular focus should be the youth. Being less at risk for the most severe impacts of infection, the benefits are less obvious.

“Encouraging youth to accept the vaccine could have self-reinforcing effects as a social influence (eg, family, friends and peers) plays a key part in boosting vaccination intention,” researchers said.

The study was conducted among 804 Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above, from June 11 to 20, 2021.

The sample was collected via an online panel and skewed towards the more urban, connected population.

Researchers who were involved in the study are Dr Jason Ng Wei Jian (Monash University Malaysia), Dr Hwang Li-Ann (Monash University Malaysia), Prof Santha Vaithilingam (Sunway University), Prof Mahendhiran Nair (Sunway University), Assoc Prof Kamarul Imran Musa (Universiti Sains Malaysia), and Ipsos associate director Lars Erik Lie. — Malay Mail

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Proposal to brand Sabah, Sarawak as mainland Malaysia to be raised in Parliament

A general view of the Parliament lobby in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 2, 2020. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): The question on whether the government intends to brand Sabah and Sarawak will be known as as mainland Malaysia, being the two states having a total land size of 198,354 sq km, or 60 per cent of Malaysia’s land, is expected to be answered during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to the Order Paper, the matter will be raised through a question by Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (Upko-Tuaran) to the Prime Minister considering that the Federation of Malaya or Peninsular Malaysia only totalled 132,265 sq km, or only 40 per cent of Malaysia’s size.

There will also be a question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PAS-Pasir Mas) to the Minister of Environment and Water on the latest progress of the flood mitigation project along Sungai Golok, involving the international border between Malaysia and Thailand.

The focus is also expected to be on a question by Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim (GPS-Batang Lupar) whether the data collected by the Department of Statistics reflects the real situation of the various dimensions of poverty that exist in the country.

After the question and answer session, the house will continue with the debate session on the Supply Bill 2022 at the Committee level for the Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation; and the Rural Development Ministry.

Yesterday, the Committee level debate session involved the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry with the Dewan Rakyat approving an allocation of RM195,036,300 of the Supply Bill 2022  and  RM835,666,800 in operating expenditure to the Ministry of Human Resources through a voice vote.

The current Dewan Rakyat will sit until Dec 16. — Bernama

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Omicron: Eight things Malaysians need to know about the latest Covid-19 variant

Photo of laboratory research for illustration purposes only.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): Didn’t have time to read up on Omicron, the latest Covid-19 variant of concern that is triggering new travel restrictions worldwide within days of its discovery?

Here are eight things you need to know about the Omicron variant:

1. When was it first detected?
Short answer: Just a few days ago

On Nov 26, the World Health Organization said the B.1.1.529 variant (now Omicron) was first reported by South Africa on Nov 24, adding that the first known confirmed infection from this variant was from a sample collected on Nov 9.

It was on Nov 26 that the WHO named the variant Omicron, and categorised it to be the latest Covid-19 variant of concern (VOC).

Among other things, a Covid-19 variant of concern generally refers to a virus variant which had genetic changes or mutations and has been demonstrated to be linked with any of these changes (increase in transmissibility or spread of the virus, increase in virulence or how severe its symptoms would be, or decrease in effectiveness of public health and social measures).

2. Why is it named Omicron?

On May 31, 2021, WHO introduced a new naming system based on the Greek alphabet for Covid-19 virus variants (variants of concern or variants of interest), to make it easier for the public to refer to them instead of their scientific names (such as B.1.1.529) and to avoid discriminatory labelling of variants based on the countries where they were first detected.

Previously, WHO had already used the first 12 letters of the Greek alphabet to refer to different variants including the current dominant variant worldwide Delta, but skipped the 13th letter “nu” and the 14th letter “xi” and used the 15th letter “Omicron” instead for this latest variant.

In WHO’s statement to the Associated Press, the global health organisation said “nu” sounds too much like the word “new” and “xi” was not used as it is a common Chinese surname, and WHO’s best practices  for naming diseases avoid “causing offence to any cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups.”

3. What do we know about it
Short answer: Under study, but vaccines and prevention are still important

In the latest update on Nov 28, WHO said it was still “not yet clear” whether Omicron is more transmissible or spreads more easily when compared to other variants including Delta.

“There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants,” WHO said, adding that understanding how severe the Omicron variant is will take days to several weeks.

Does Omicron change the effectiveness of existing vaccines, tests, and treatments for Covid-19?

WHO said it is working with technical partners to understand what impact Omicron may have on vaccines, but said that existing vaccines are still important and remain effective in reducing severe disease and death.

PCR tests can detect Omicron infections and there are ongoing studies on whether Omicron has any impact on other Covid-19 test types such as rapid antigen tests.

According to WHO, corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers will still be effective to manage patients with severe Covid-19, and that it would be studied whether other treatments are still as effective.

Separately, in a technical document on November 28, WHO said no deaths linked to the Omicron variant had been reported to date, but cautioned that the overall global risk linked to Omicron is assessed to be “very high.”

4. Where has it been detected so far
Short answer: Many countries, none in Singapore so far

On Nov 26, Malaysia’s Health Ministry had at that time noted that Omicron cases had been reported in South Africa with 77 cases then, Botswana (four cases) and Hong Kong (two cases).

The first cases in these three places were detected on November 11 (Botswana), South Africa (November 14), Hong Kong with the individual having a travel history involving South Africa (November 25), the ministry had said.

Since then, Omicron has reportedly been detected in multiple other countries and territories, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Israel, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the Netherlands.

On Nov 29, Malaysia’s neighbour Singapore cited Australia’s health authorities when stating that two travellers — who had travelled from South Africa and transited at Changi Airport on Nov 27 and who have since arrived in Australia on Nov 28 — had tested positive for Covid-19 of the Omicron variant. The duo had tested negative on Nov 26 before departure.

On Nov 30, Singapore said it had taken steps in response to Omicron, including imposing travel restrictions involving seven countries (South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe) and postponing vaccinated travel lanes with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, while confirming that no Covid-19 cases of the Omicron variant had been detected in Singapore.

5. Has it reached Malaysia yet?
Short answer: No

Based on genomic surveillance conducted as of Nov 26, no cases of Omicron have been reported in Malaysia.

On the morning of Nov 30, the Health Ministry issued a statement to debunk a “fake news” that was spreading on social media about the purported detection of Omicron in Perak.

6. What has Malaysia done so far?
Short answer: Immediate entry restrictions and strict quarantine measures

On Nov 26, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced precautionary measures that took effect on Nov 27, including stopping Malaysians from travelling to seven countries (South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe).

Also from Nov 27 onwards, Malaysia imposed a temporary entry ban on all foreigners who had a history of travel to the seven countries in the past 14 days, but allowed Malaysians and permanent resident pass holders to return to Malaysia from those countries with the condition of a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated quarantine centre regardless of their vaccination status and with quarantine at home disallowed.

The Health Ministry had also decided on Nov 26 to collect samples from all individuals who travelled from those countries for the purpose of genomic surveillance.

7. What can Malaysians do?
Short answer: Basic SOPs, get that Covid-19 vaccine shot or booster shot

Protecting ourselves, our families and our communities is still about continuing to do the basics.

In its Nov 28 update on Omicron, WHO listed out the most effective steps that individuals can take to reduce the spread of Covid-19, including at least one metre physical distancing from others, and wearing a well-fitting mask.

Also included in WHO’s list of recommended actions by individuals in the face of Omicron are opening windows to improve ventilation, avoiding poorly-ventilated or crowded spaces, keeping hands clean, coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue, and getting vaccinated when it’s your turn.

In a tweet on Nov 30, Khairy wrote: “We know Omicron is probably more transmissible than Delta but we don’t yet know its virulence. What we can do in the meantime is step up public health interventions (masks, distancing, hygiene), improve indoor air flow, keep our aged safe & take a booster when offered.”

8. How will Malaysians be affected?
Short answer: SOPs remain, pausing shift to endemic, travel to Singapore still okay

Apart from expected tighter controls of Malaysia’s international borders on countries where Omicron cases were detected, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said existing SOPs for states in Malaysia in Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan will remain for now.

Hishammuddin, however, said that the quartet of ministers handling the Covid-19 pandemic has decided to “pause” Malaysia’s efforts to shift to the endemic phase until more is known about the Omicron variant.

Unlike Japan and Israel which have announced entry bans to all foreigners and Morocco which will temporarily ban all inbound international flights in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, Singapore — which is where many Malaysians live and work — has not introduced such bans.

Instead, Singapore on Nov 30 said it will be enhancing its Covid-19 testing measures for travellers arriving in Singapore from Dec 2, 11.59pm onwards, with different border measures also applicable based on a country’s category.

Under those measures, travellers with travel history of being in the list of Category II countries including Malaysia — in the past 14 days before taking a non-vaccinated travel lane flight to Singapore — would have to do a PCR test upon arrival in Singapore.

Singapore’s Health Ministry on Nov 30 said that separate measures will apply to vaccinated travel lane (VTL) travellers by land with Malaysia, who will only be subject to an antigen rapid test upon arrival.

For those travelling to or from Singapore, more information can be found here and here. — Malay Mail

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Issues on NCR land by propagandists just vote fishing – Awg Tengah

Awang Tengah (third left) presenting NCR land title to a landowner while Rosey (third right), Ripin (right) and others look on. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) photo

MIRI (Dec 1): The incitement and bad propaganda against the Sarawak state government’s new initiative on native customary rights (NCR) programme is seasonal campaigning tactic to fish for votes during the election, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said.

He added such bad propaganda on NCR land was no longer relevant as the state government always recognised the people’s rights to their land as long as the land claim is valid according to the law.

“They (propagandists) are outsiders and just talking only. Landowners who have been swayed by the bad propaganda are those who will suffer the losses because their lands were not surveyed under the new initiative and there is no land title guarantee to their land.

“The landowners will suffer the losses, not them,” he stated in his address when officiating at the presentation of land titles for Lambir area at Kampung Beraya Batu 1 multipurpose hall yesterday.

The Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources reassured that the NCR issue is very close to the state government’s heart.

He reminded that the state government’s efforts in the issuance of land titles through the new initiative, which is NCR Land Survey Programme, will not be successful without the involvement and cooperation of community leaders and landowners.

Thus, he urged the landowners to continue to give their full cooperation to the Land and Survey Department as the implementing agency for the state land policies.

“The perimeter survey on individual lots as well as issuance of land titles under Section 18 of State Land Code are being actively carried out.

“Land and Survey Department has been instructed to focus on this programme throughout the state, including all Bumiputera NCR land.”

Thus far, he said, 47,769 individual lots have been surveyed involving a total of 58,371 hectares of land.

He further said the state government will issue land titles under Section 18 of State Land Code to 18,546 lots.

Later at the same function, he presented 466 land titles under Section 18 of State Land Code to a total of 182 recipients from Rh Ampik, Kampung Nusah and Kampung Sebalik Tiris.

Besides that, he also presented some 270 land titles under the same section to 70 residents from Kampung Beraya area.

Also present were International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais; Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Assistant Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus; Lambir incumbent Ripin Lamat; Miri Division Land and Survey Department superintendent Anthony Aboi and Miri Resident Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf.

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SUPP Dudong hopeful promises to improve wireless broadband access in constituency

Wong (standing right) and the longhouse residents give their thumbs up to the installation of first WBA in the area.

SIBU (Dec 1): Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) potential candidate for Dudong, Wong Ching Yong, has pledged to improve Wireless Broadband Access (WBA) if given the chance to become their assemblyman.

“I will help to apply for WBA for 15 primary schools 10 Chinese-aided primary schools, two secondary schools and 206 longhouses in the constituency if given the chance to do so,” he said.

Wong said this after witnessing Sarawak Multimedia Authority installing the first WBA at Rumah Mai Sigai in Tengah Assan recently.

He said the WBA in Rumah Mai Sigai was the first of its kind in the constituency.

“The installation is made possible with the help of Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs and Ukas Datuk Abdullah Saidol after I wrote a letter to him in August 2021 highlighting the predicaments faced by students with no WiFi facilities to join online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

If nominated by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Wong will likely face a multi-cornered fight in the constituency – from Parti Bersatu Sarawak (PSB), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Gasak and also Independent candidates.

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Daesim Group adds Starlink Hotel to its stable

Lau (fifth right) and his family members pose for an album in front of the newly commissioned hotel.

SIBU (Dec 1): The soft opening of Starlink Hotel at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman marks another milestone for the Daesim Group of Companies.
Group chairman Datuk Lau Ngie Hua said they had come a long way since Star (later rebranded Daesim) first started in 1975 as a small stall trader at Pasar Malam in Jalan Market here.

From there, the businesses thrived before they regrouped and expanded their circles.

“For all our success, we owe it to the people’s support all these years which we are very thankful for,” he said at the hotel’s soft opening yesterday morning.

From a ‘pasar malam’ trader in the early years, Lau said they then moved their business to Sarawak House in 1979 before relocating to Jalan Channel in the 1980s.

In 2007, the Group decided to come up with Star Megamall at Jalan Tunku Rahman (present site), taking them four years to complete. Business started operating in 2011.

Lau said they were now looking into coming up with phase 2 of the Star Megamall project which would accommodate more facilities such has a bigger food court, a cinema with seven halls and also more than 400 stalls.

“We are also looking into building a 9-storey service apartment, to be sited in front of Star Megamall. All these are still in the early preparation,” he added.

On Starlink Hotel, Lau said this was the group’s first foray into the hotel business.

The 11-storey hotel comes with 144 rooms, all fully furnished with top class facilities like WiFi and television sets.

There are five type of rooms with prices for superior king at RM98, superior twin (RM98), superior triple (RM138), accessible room (RM98) and family suite (RM188).

For details and bookings, call 084221661.

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Habitual offender jailed 2 months for stealing from shopping mall outlet

The accused was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine, upon conviction. – Photo by Jenifer Laeng

MIRI (Dec 1): A habitual offender was sentenced yesterday to two months in prison for stealing items worth over RM2,700 from a shopping mall outlet.

Magistrate Leona Dominic Mojiliu convicted Macperhson Mike Joshua Michael, 30, of Permyjaya on his own guilty plea, and ordered the sentence to commence from the date of his arrest on Nov 25, 2021.

The accused was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine, upon conviction.

According to the facts of the case, Macperhson was caught stealing a maternity set, a box of soy collagen, a box of soursop coffee, 15 pairs of silver earrings and 135 pairs of steel earrings.

The stolen items were collectively worth RM2,765.

He committed the offence on Nov 23, 2021 at around 10am at a premises inside a shopping mall at Jalan Miri-Pujut.

It was informed the accused has multiple past arrest records for various criminal offences.

Inspector Mudzilawati Abd Rahman prosecuted the case while the accused was unrepresented.

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Setting up Sarawak’s own boutique airline not a good idea – Dr Yii

Dr Kelvin Yii

KUCHING (Dec 1): Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has shot down the idea of setting up Sarawak’s own boutique airline as it may not be sustainable and economically feasible.

“Instead, the state government should look at working with existing private national and private airlines to improve connectivity, especially domestic routes within Sarawak by offering incentives and even subsidies rather than take on a whole airline company,” he said in a statement.

Dr Yii said setting up the state’s own boutique airline might result in huge economic cost to the state, as well as requiring high investment, high cost and high expertise which may not be beneficial in the long term.

He was responding to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement that the state government still intends to establish their own boutique airline if given the mandate in this upcoming state election.

Dr Yii said Abang Johari seemed to be more interested in an ‘image decision’ rather than a ‘business decision’ that may have an impact on the economic future of the state.

He said there were better and more feasible methods for the state government to improve connectivity around Borneo and even to penetrate hubs that are important for tourism, such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

“Running an airline business is very tough, as well as highly regulated in terms of organisational structure, passenger safety regulations, speciality, and other aviation requirements.”

Thus, Dr Yii said the government must reconsider its intention as it would cost a lot of public funds if the airline company was set up, let alone sustaining the business model and maintaining the assets.

Moreover, Dr Yii said Abang Johari must understand the principle that it should not be the business of the government to be in business.

“Their role is to provide a conducive environment and ecosystem for business to thrive or find ways to incentivise private sector to come up with good and sustainable business plan for the people, rather than trying to start their own airlines.”

Dr Yii remarked that the state or even the federal government generally do not have a very good track record of being involved in business due to multiple reasons.

“Particularly so in a highly challenging industry such as aviation which has been deeply affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well.

“That is why I strongly urge Abang Johari to reconsider his priorities. Maybe he should instead find ways to incentive airlines companies to reduce their ticket prices so that Sarawakians can come back to vote this coming election.”

He said such huge announcement would have major impact on the economic safety of Sarawak and this proved the incumbent Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration should not have a free reign in the state.

The Bandar Kuching MP stressed there must be strong check and balance system in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and GPS must not be given a ‘blank cheque’ in this upcoming election.

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‘Sudden price hike also hurts wet market traders’

Effendi Hasim

KUCHING (Dec 1): The price hike of wet market items is a cause of concern not only amongst consumers, but also the hawkers and traders selling them, who themselves are still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a survey conducted by The Borneo Post over three major wet markets early yesterday – namely Medan Niaga Satok and Petanak Central Market in Kuching, and Bandar Riyal Market in Kota Samarahan – it was found that the prices of many products had increased, with some registering a hike of more than 50 per cent.

Chicken seller Effendi Hasim, 40, believed that the rising cost of chicken feed was among the contributing factors to the price hike.

“Previously, live chickens sold wholesale for around RM6 per kilogramme and could be marked up to around RM9 per kilogramme.

“Now at RM9 supplier’s price per kilogramme, I can no longer mark up the price,” said the trader, who operates a unit at Medan Niaga Satok.

Effendi said due to domino effect, the prices for chicken parts such as the breasts, thighs and wings had also increased.

“We do whatever we can to mitigate the high costs, including slaughtering and process the chickens ourselves,” he said.

Effendi’s wife Noryn Abdullah said she, as with many other traders at Medan Niaga Satok, was very puzzled by the sudden price hike.

“We have no idea what the cause behind it.”

Based on the price list displayed at Effendi’s trading lot, a whole chicken is at RM11 per kilogramme, breast meat at RM16 per kilogramme, rib at RM11 per kilogramme, wings at RM16 per kilogramme, and thighs at RM15 per kilogramme.

Fellow Medan Niaga trader Kibawen Kapawi said he had to mark up the price for ‘kembung’ (Indian mackerel) at RM18 per kilogramme just to break even.

Previously, the fish sold for RM14 per kilogramme.

Kibawen Kipawi

“For frozen catch, we need to consider the weight after the ice melts.

“Each box, with its frozen content, weighs 10 kilogrammes, but after thawing, the weight would be around eight to nine kilogrammes,” said Kibawen, 35.

He said in view of the situation, he had to ‘accept complaints from customers’.

“Some of them understand the situation, and some are perplexed by it.

“It is difficult for us to either reduce or increase the prices. All we can do is to cooperate and negotiate with them (customers) to achieve a win-win situation.

“In line with the increase in prices, we have to inform the customers before they make any purchase,” added Kibawen.

Chin Yie Hing, a vegetable seller at Petanak Market, opined that the price hike could be due to the monsoon season, as well as higher operating costs incurred by his suppliers, the majority of whom are farmers.

He also believed that the cost involved in procuring fertilisers and pesticides also contributed to the rising price of vegetables.

Chin Yie Hing

“Should the suppliers increase the price, I’d have no choice but to increase it as well.

“How would I gain any profit if I didn’t increase it?” the 54-year-old trader lamented.

He also felt sorry for his customers operating food stalls, who were forced to raise the prices of their food items as well due to this situation.

Jimmy John, 47, a pork seller at Bandar Riyal Market, had to mark up the price to RM21 per kilogramme, versus RM20 per kilogramme previously.

He said although the price of pork had always depended on the market situations, factors such as rising production costs, especially those involving pig feeds, could push it higher.

Jimmy John

“For now, we follow market pricing – if it’s increasing, so would the prices of pork, pig’s feet and intestines.

“In line with the price hike, the price for pork could be around RM22.50 per kilogramme,” said Jimmy.

From a consumer’s view, retired army officer Edwin Dundang said although the prices of some items had remained the same, the quantity appeared to have been trimmed down.

“See here – I bought this spinach for RM2, but the bunch is not as big as before,” he said when met at Bandar Riyal Market.

Edwin Dundang

Edwin said the price hike was worrisome as he had to spend more with limited income, while having limited movement due to the pandemic, especially with the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

For ‘cucur pisang’ (banana fritters) seller Railah Maliki, the bananas sold at Bandar Riyal Market were more expensive than the ones she used to get from her previous supplier.

“The bananas here (Bandar Riyal) go for between RM4 and RM4.50 per kilogramme.

“From my past suppliers, they were cheaper at around RM1.80 to RM2 per kilogramme, but I no longer deal with these suppliers,” said the 57-year-old.

Raliah Maliki

Railah lamented that because of the sudden price hike, she was forced to scale down her ‘cucur’ production.

“All the costing is off. Now, I’m very worried – how can I continue selling ‘cucur’ in times like this?” she said.

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KPDNHEP monitoring price hikes, to take action against profiteers

An officer inspecting goods at a shop.

KUCHING (Dec 1): The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) in Sarawak has taken note of the people’s complaints about the sudden increase in some essential items advertised on social media and will not hesitate to take action against offenders.

Stating that it is concerned with the problems faced by the people due to the increase in prices in the market, the ministry however said price controls are only implemented on certain essential goods such as sugar, cooking oil, wheat flour and price-controlled items during certain periods during the festive season.

Price control is to ensure that the price offered is determined by demand and supply factors, its state director Datu Stanley Tan said when responding to public queries on sudden price hike of some goods here.

“Action under Section 14 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act may be taken against any trader who is found to be taking unreasonable profit in supplying or offering to supply any goods or services,” Tan said.

Among the steps that can be taken by the ministry are firstly, implementing enforcement and inspections to address the issue of rising prices of goods reported through various continuous and aggressive approaches with the implementation of operations codenamed Ops Pasar, Ops Menu and Ops Catut throughout the country to address the issue of rising prices of certain goods.

Secondly, the ministry has launched Ops Pasar 2.0 on Nov 26, 2021. Its agencies have conducted inspections on 72 focus locations such as public markets, wholesalers’ premises, suppliers and retailers at the supplier and retailer level throughout the country involving 199 types of vegetables.

Of that number, a total of 140 notices under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 were submitted.

Thirdly, the ministry monitors the upward trend in prices of chicken, chicken eggs and vegetables and if the price situation worsens, price control actions (ceiling price setting) on these goods can be implemented to curb rising prices as implemented during the festive season, he said.

Fourthly, the ministry will implement engagement sessions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (Mafi) and agencies under it.

Engagement sessions were also conducted involving relevant industry players to find the best methods to curb the sharp rise in prices in the market to address the issue of the price of cooked food, said Tan.

Fifthly, the ministry launched Ops Menu to address the issue of cooked food prices nationwide from Nov 6, 2021 onwards.

In this Ops, a total of 3,713 inspections were conducted and out of that number, a total of 26 case actions were taken against traders who committed offences, he added.

Finally, the ministry will apply the legislation under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (Akhap) 2011 on any trader who takes advantage of the current situation to take unreasonable profits (profiteering) so as to cause excessive price increases in the market, he added.

“Any trader found to have committed an offense under Section 14 (1), Akhap 2011 can be fined up to RM500,000 for a corporation/company and up to RM100,000 for an individual or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years or both at once,” he cautioned.

Tan advised consumers to use the power they have, including making price comparisons and choosing premises that offer affordable prices and services.

Consumer power is the best precaution before being confused or manipulated by irresponsible traders, he pointed out.

Consumers are also advised to channel complete complaints including evidence such as receipts, photographs and address of the premises directly to KPDNHEP so that action can be taken quickly and effectively.

Tan said any complaint or inquiry can be channelled to the ministry through its official portal e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my, call centre 1800886800, email e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my, Ez ADU smartphone application, enforcement command centre (ECC) 03-88826245 or 6088, contact numbers at 03-80008000, Malaysia government call centre (MYGCC), WhatsApp to 019-2794317.

Otherwise aggrieved consumers could just lodge complaints at any of the 73 KPDNHEP offices throughout the country, said Tan.

The Sarawak State KPDNHEP ECC operation room is open from 8am to 6pm every working day and can be contacted at PPDNHEP Kuching at 082-466052 and its counterparts at Sri Aman (083-323836), Sarikei (084-657751), Sibu (084-335622), Kapit (084-799678), Bintulu (086-332176), Miri (085-412862), Limbang (085-217414), Mukah (084-872726) and Lawas (085-283650).

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