Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng said the domestic tourism industry is happy with the announcement.

“While it may not completely address current challenges, the commitment by the government is encouraging, ” he said.

As part of the package, the government will introduce several incentives that could potentially help to boost local tourism.

This includes a personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 on expenditure related to domestic tourism, as well as digital vouchers for domestic tourism of up to RM100 per person for domestic flights, rail and hotel accommodations for all Malaysians.

Yap said the income tax relief is timely and would benefit Malaysians directly.

“We also welcome the RM100 digital voucher for Malaysians that would fit well with all the current promotions that local tourism stakeholders are offering, ” said Yap.

He added that the travel and hospitality sector will continue to engage with the government to ensure a sustainable tourism industry.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the personal income tax relief for domestic tourism is “fantastic to rejuvenate the local tourism industry”.

“Although Matta had requested several other measures, such as granting free visas to Indian tourists and double tax deduction for local companies for sending staff to meetings, incentive tours, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) events, to be included in the economic stimulus package, the priority now is for all to start working on recovery measures, ” said Tan.

The announcement of the stimulus package followed move by travel operators who have turned their attention towards the domestic traveller market as part of the Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) campaign, which still retains its target of 30 million tourist arrivals and RM100bil tourist receipts this year.

MANILA, Philippines — A person was hurt as dozens were taken hostage allegedly by a dismissed security guard inside a mall in Greenhills, San Juan City, on Monday.

Sketchy details indicate that the hostage-taker seized the administration office of the mall and held captive about 30 people there.

A police report, however, identified the suspect as Archie Paray and the victim as Ronald Velita.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the suspect fired at the victim upon entering the mall around 10 a.m. The injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital and now in stable condition, he added.

According to Zamora, the pistol-carrying hostage-taker was fired from his job and demanding to speak with his former colleagues via video call.

“AWOL (absent without leave) siya. Ilang linggo na ring hindi pumapasok. So, mukhang mayroong issue siguro ito patungkol sa kanyang trabaho bilang gwardiya but tinitinginan pa natin,” Zamora said.

(He went AWOL. He’s been absent for several weeks. So, it looks like there’s an issue regarding his work as security guard but we’re still looking into it.)

He added that Paray even encouraged his former colleagues to join him but no one wanted to participate.

“Masama ang kanyang loob sapagkat siya’y tinanggal bilang guwardiya at nagdesisyon siyang magpunta rito sa shopping center,” He told reporters in an interview.

(He was hurt when he was fired as a security guard so he decided to go here at the shopping center.)

A negotiator is already talking to the suspect inside the mall.

Employees and mall-goers were already evacuated from the mall, which has been placed on lockdown.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has announced that two Indonesians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the first two confirmed cases of the disease in the country.

Jokowi said that the two people, a 64-year-old and her 31-year-old daughter, had been in contact with a Japanese citizen who tested positive in Malaysia on Feb. 27 after visiting Indonesia in early February.

“When we received information [about the Japanese citizen] a team in Indonesia immediately traced who the Japanese citizen met with,” Jokowi told reporters at the State Palace on Monday. “We checked [the two people] and this morning I received a report from the health minister that they tested positive for the coronavirus.”

He said the government was well-prepared to handle COVID-19 cases.

“We have prepared over 100 hospitals with isolation rooms with good isolation standards. We also have equipment that meets international standards,” he said.

Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto, who was also at the State Palace, said that the two women were residents of Depok, West Java, and were currently being treated at the Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital (RSPI Sulianti Suroso) in Jakarta.

Prior to this announcement, Indonesia had no confirmed cases of COVID-19, raising concerns about the country’s detection ability. (kmt)

A further epidemiological study is required to determine what exactly happened, but local authorities have played down the possibility that it could be a case of reinfection from someone else.

Rather, the virus might have been dormant in the patient, and the illness reappeared in the patient because she was old and had a weak immune system.

“A normal person would have been able to defend from the virus invading the system again after developing immunity (against the coronavirus), but it could have been difficult (for her to do this),” Kwon Joon-wook, director of the National Institute of Health, said at a briefing Saturday. “So some experts say the virus might have not been completely dead (in the patient’s system).”

The 73-year-old woman, who lives in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 22 as she developed no further symptoms and tested negative twice successively in a 24-hour interval. She then had mild symptoms again and reported them to the community health center. She tested positive again for the virus on Friday afternoon.

It marks the first such case in Korea, where a total of 3,526 coronavirus cases and 17 deaths were reported as of Sunday morning.

Experts say it is likely that the virus had subsided with treatment and reactivated again afterwards. It is also possible the diagnostic test had been erroneous.

“Reinfection and recurrence (of COVID-19) are different,” said Eom Jung-sik, a professor of infectious disease at Gachon University Gil Hospital.

“I presume the patient still had low levels of the virus when she was discharged from the hospital, testing failed to pick it up and the virus recurred because of her weak immune system.”

If such cases continue to occur, there should be quarantine rules for recovered patients, such as keeping them in self-quarantine at their homes for a certain period of time after being released from hospitals and having them tested for the virus again, another expert suggested.

“The virus in the patient might have not been perfectly dead in her system, only partially,” said Kim Woo-joo, a professor of infectious medicine at Korea University Guro Hospital.

“Putting aside whether patients, who were discharged after a recovery and tested positive again, could infect others again, it is time to discuss what the government would do about recovered patients,” he said, citing a growing number of patients being discharged in the country.

As of Sunday morning, 30 people had been released from hospitalization after making a full recovery.

The government said it is to consult with the country’s clinical committee to look into this and other similar cases around the world in order to draw extra quarantine measures.

Similar cases have also been reported in China and Japan.

Japanese authorities on Wednesday confirmed that a woman who works as a tour bus guide had tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time, three weeks after she was discharged from the hospital upon showing signs of recovery.

As much remains unknown about the virus, there needs to be more research and data accumulated to determine the possibility of reinfection of the coronavirus.

“We need more research and study on how antibodies are formed after being infected with the virus, given the COVID-19 is a new virus,” Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Jung Eun-kyung said at a briefing Thursday.

She also said that the accuracy of the diagnostic test, when and how the test was conducted and the severity of the patient’s symptoms need to be reviewed.

(laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)

According to the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam, there are 117 nationals quarantined in Hanoi, 75 in Ho Chi Minh City and 21 in Danang, spread between military facilities, hospitals and some at the airport, as of Saturday evening.

The Korean travelers were removed to separate facilities without prior notice, despite being asymptomatic and from areas other than the banned Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province in Korea, the region hit hardest by the coronavirus here. Their passports have been taken away by Vietnamese authorities, according to local media reports.

Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said it is communicating with the regional diplomatic missions to come up with solutions.

Effective Thursday, Vietnam banned the entry of foreign nationals who have traveled to the southeastern city of Daegu and neighboring North Gyeongsang Province, the area that accounts for 87 percent — 3,080 cases — of the total infected number of 3,526 as of Sunday.

For arrivals from other regions in Korea, Vietnam said they are required to go into self-quarantine for two weeks, but instead, authorities have been transporting Koreans into isolated facilities.

Vietnam also suspended a visa-waiver program for Korean visitors on Saturday.

Separately, an Asiana Airlines flight to Hanoi had to turn back en route after Vietnamese authorities banned the plane from landing at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport.

Asiana Airlines flight 729 departed at 10:10 a.m. on Saturday, but at 10:30 a.m., Vietnamese authorities denied it permission to land, and instead instructed it to land at Van Don International Airport, about 140 kilometers from Hanoi.

Asiana decided to cancel the flight and return to Seoul, as the carrier had no history of using the suggested Vietnamese airport.

Vietnamese authorities also prohibited Korean airliners from using an airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and instead to land at Can Tho International Airport, a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.

Since Saturday, Asiana Airlines and Korean Airlines have been sending empty planes with crew members, known as ferry flights, to Vietnam to bring back Korean passengers, before the country halts all visitors from here.

Vietnam’s stringent move concerns Korea, as it could spread even further to other regions. The measure arrives despite Seoul’s call to refrain from “excessive measures,” with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaking by phone with her Vietnamese counterpart to retract the move.

As of Sunday, over 75 countries are imposing entry restrictions and special quarantine measures on those traveling from South Korea.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)

“I feel betrayed, mostly by Muhyiddin. He has been working on this for a long time and now he has succeeded,” he told a press conference at Yayasan Al-Bukhary on Sunday morning (March 1).

Asked whether he was upset with Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Dr Mahahtir said Azmin had his own agenda.

“He has this whole agenda and chose to work with Muhyiddin,” Dr Mahathir said.

On the next step for Pakatan Harapan, Dr Mahathir said Pakatan would be calling for an urgent parliamentary sitting.

“We will see who has the majority (support of MPs),” he said.

Pakatan will now become the opposition, he added.

On the future of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Dr Mahathir said it was up to the party to decide whether to expel him as chairman or not.

“It is going to happen because majority has rejected me as chairman (of Bersatu).

“They can officially seek and expel (me),” he said.

Asked whether he regretted resigning as prime minister, Dr Mahahtir said he had no other choice.

“I had no choice because when I see the coalition that is going to be formed by Bersatu is with Umno en-bloc.

“That means I would have to accept the people I fought against. That, I am not prepared to do but Muhyiddin was prepared to do so,” he added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/01/i-feel-betrayed-mostly-by-muhyiddin-says-dr-m

The report said that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof (pic) would be communicating with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to receive a confirmation on a new date for the Parliament session.

“(The session will) probably not (start on March 9).

“I will be officially communicating with the PMO tomorrow (on the new date),” he said when contacted by Berita Harian on Sunday (March 1).

The opening ceremony of the 14th Parliamentary Assembly will be launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakatan Harapan had urged for the Parliament session on March 9 to continue as scheduled, saying that it will be the best way to determine who has the majority support.

“This is an excellent opportunity to determine the support of the Prime Minister and thus ending the current political turmoil of the country,” the statement read.

The comments by the Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs came after China raised the issue of India restricting the export of certain medical supplies to it following the coronavirus epidemic in that country.

“It is hoped that the Indian side could review the epidemic situation in an objective, rational and calm manner, handle with China’s much-needed items in a cooperative and constructive way, and resume normal personnel exchanges and trade between our two countries as soon as possible,” Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Ji Rong said earlier.

She said the World Health Organisation has repeatedly opposed any travel and trade restrictions on China following the coronavirus outbreak and that all parties should follow the recommendations by the global body.

Replying to a query on the issue, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the precautions taken by India are in accordance with the WHO advisory about the outbreak of coronavirus infection. He said some restrictions have been imposed on the export of certain medical equipment to China in view of the shortage of their supply in India too.

“Just like any other country, India with a billion-plus population has the responsibility to take the necessary measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak which, if not properly managed, can become a global risk,” he said.

Kumar said that responding to the needs of China, India had allowed a one-time exemption for the export of some items which had been restricted. The MEA spokesperson also mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month, offering India”s assistance to China in the “hour of need”.

He also referred to India’s decision to send medical relief on board a special flight to China and hoped that the Chinese authorities will give permission for the aircraft to go to the country.

“In a humanitarian gesture of medical relief, a gift reflecting the solidarity of the people of India with the people of China is expected to be delivered to Wuhan by a special flight,” he added.

“We have also called upon the Chinese authorities to allow Indian citizens and those of our neighbouring countries to return by the same flight. We hope that they will give it positive consideration,” Kumar said.

On Saturday, government sources said that China was “deliberately delaying” permission for the Indian Air Force plane to coronavirus-hit Wuhan to supply relief materials and bring back more Indians from the city.

They said though flights from Japan, Ukraine and France were allowed to operate from Wuhan, Indian request was not heeded to so far. Last week, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong urged India to review restrictions on trade and movement of people.

Almost all Indian airlines have stopped flights to China while the government has cancelled all e-visas as well as normal visas issued to Chinese citizens. India has already evacuated around 640 Indians from Wuhan, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak, in two separate flights. According to estimates, over 100 Indians are still stuck in Wuhan.

The Port Dickson MP said he was satisfied with Dr Mahathir‘s principle that the reform agenda must continue.

When asked if there will be a change in the government, Anwar said people should not give in easily.

“We should not give in to some groups who want to betray the mandate of the people from the last general election,” he told reporters when he arrived at the PKR headquarters together with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at 12.45pm.

Some of his supporters gathered outside chanted “Reformasi” as he arrived with Dr Wan Azizah for a special central leadership meeting.

Pressed further if there will be any form of changes to the government, Anwar merely said he was unable to answer.

“We can only say that the meeting (with Dr Mahathir) went very well and I was moved with his attitude and his stand about the changes made that (he) will not give in to the groups that want to seize power without setting an agenda for change,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar, Dr Wan Azizah and Lim Guan Eng had arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office at Putra Perdana to meet Dr Mahathir but had left after they had learnt that he was not there.

They then headed to the premier’s house at the Mines before coming to PKR headquarters for the special central leadership meeting.

According to a report, Dr Mahathir had sent a resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“We will issue a statement later today, ” said an aide, when asked to confirm.

Earlier on Monday (Feb 24), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu had met with Dr Mahathir at his personal residence at Seri Kembangan.

The flurry of activity over a possible realignment of the country’s political landscape continues on Monday with several events taking place.

One of them is at Istana Negara where Dr Wan Azizah and Anwar are scheduled to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at 2pm.

Another is an emergency meeting by Pakatan Harapan component party DAP at their party headquarters in Pudu.

On Sunday (Feb 23), several key leaders of the ruling government parties and the Opposition attended a special meeting at a hotel in Petaling Jaya. It was a closed-door meeting, raising questions over the purpose of the meeting.

Before that, there had been separate meetings involving several political parties amid talk of a possible realignment of the country’s political landscape.

Party leaders were tight-lipped as to what was discussed at the closed-door meetings in the federal capital and Petaling Jaya, which drew intense media attention.

Earlier on Sunday, Umno held a special supreme council meeting for about two hours from 4pm at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Bersatu also held a special meeting at the party headquarters at Menara Yayasan Selangor in Petaling Jaya, chaired by party chairman Dr Mahathir, who declined to comment when reporters swarmed around him as he left the premises.

Several MPs from political parties in Sabah and Sarawak also held meetings in the federal capital.