Covid-19: Panic buying continues in Bangkok

By Linda Khoo Hui Li BANGKOK, March 16 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The Thais are flocking to nearest supermarkets and grocery stores on to stock up goods and supplies as fear grows that the COVID-19 outbreak will accelerate, following a sharp spike in cases in the kingdom.  Videos and images of empty shelves,…

Eleven M’sians overseas have Covid-19 – FM

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein says he has been receiving calls from foreign ministers and that if Malaysia could coordinate at Wisma Putra level with those countries involved, and share best practices, there will be a better chance of combating the virus.  File Photo courtesy of BERNAMA. PUTRAJAYA, March 13…

Malaysia Airlines waives date-change fee

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) has introduced an ultimate flexibility ticket change policy, offering unlimited, free changes to all new and existing bookings which takes effect immediately in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The national carrier said all passengers could take advantage of the unlimited changes to…

Death toll in China from Covid-19 rises to 3,179

Photo courtesy of ANADOLU News Agency BEIJING, March 13 (NNN-ANADOLU) — The death toll in China from the novel coronavirus outbreak has risen to 3,179, the country’s National Health Commission said Friday. The agency said seven more people died in the last 24 hours while eight new cases were detected…

Covid-19: Malaysia puts Denmark on travel ban list as latter goes into lockdown

PUTRAJAYA,  March 13 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The government has imposed a total travel ban on all individuals arriving from Denmark, effective from Saturday, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof. The move was in line with Denmark’s decision to go into lockdown, he said at a news conference after…

Covid-19: Thailand launches apps to track those under home quarantine

By Linda Khoo Hui Li BANGKOK, March 13 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Thailand Thursday launched an online application to track locals and visitors coming from six COVID-19 high-risk countries and territories – China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong and Macau – to ensure they undergo 14-day home quarantine.  Minister of Digital Economy and Society,…

Turkey to air remote school lessons amid COVID-19 fears

Turkish National Education Minister Ziya Selcuk during a press conference at the Ministry building in Ankara, Turkey on Thursday, March 12. Photo courtesy of ANADOLU News Agency. ANKARA, March 13 (NNN-ANADOLU) — ATurkey will close its primary, secondary and high schools for two weeks, with remote education to begin in…

Seoul stocks crash to 8 1/2-year low on virus panic selling, Korean won at 4-year low

SEOUL, March 13 (NNN-YONHAP) — South Korea’s financial markets were thrown into turmoil on Friday under growing panic sell-offs, with the benchmark stock index plunging over 8 percent to an 8 1/2-year low and the Korean won trading at a 4-year low against the U.S. dollar, as investors rushed to…

Covid-19: India cancels tourist visas, imposes curbs on international travel

NEW DELHI, March 12 (NNN-BERNAMA) — India has cancelled tourist visas and imposed curbs on international travel in a bid to contain the coronavirus spread. All existing visas, except in categories such as diplomatic, official, employment and those related to projects, will be suspended till April 15, according to a…

Global economy needs US$3.7 trillion to fight ward off recession

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 12 (NNN-BERNAMA) —  The global economy requires an economic stimulus package worth US$3.7 trillion in order to get back to the growth model as it navigates tempestuous times and uncertainty, says an analyst. Juwai IQI Global chief economist Shan Saeed said at the start of…