Singapore sees significant drop in employment figure

By Massita Ahmad SINGAPORE, Sept 14 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Total employment, excluding Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW), in Singapore contracted by 129,100 in the first half of 2020 (1H 2020), the largest half-yearly reduction on record, according to the republic’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). Citing the Labour Market Report Second…

Malaysia sets up environmental crime prevention unit

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 14: Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man during a press conference on the launch of the Environmental Crime Prevention Unit at his ministry here today. On his right is the ministry’s Secretary General Datuk Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang. Photo courtesy of BERNAMA PUTRAJAYA,…

Govt to standardise regulations, taxes for hotels, Airbnb – Minister

MELAKA, Sept 14 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The standardisation of several issues involving the hotel sector and Airbnb,such as regulations, taxes, will be finalised soon, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. He said the move was to give a new lease of life to the tourism industry, especially hotel operators, who are more…

Govt firm in safeguarding sovereign rights in South China Sea

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The government is firm in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests including over areas in the South China Sea, said Deputy Foreign Minister Kamarudin Jaffar. He said this is ensured through patrolling and other monitoring activities by related enforcement agencies, he said.…

South China Sea must remain peaceful – Malaysia’s Foreign Minister

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein PUTRAJAYA, Sept 12 (NNN-BERNAMA) — South China Sea must remain as a sea of peace, stability and trade, and never the arena of contention in which ASEAN member states are caught in a conflict, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.  He said Malaysia’s position on South China…

Malaysia’s new COVID-19 cases back to double digits at 58 – Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The number of new COVID-19 cases in the country went back to double digits Saturday after 58 cases were recorded, with 53 of them being local transmissions and five more imported.  Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 29 of the local transmissions involved Malaysians while the…

Sabah State Election: EC confirms 447 candidates vying for 73 seats

SEMPORNA, Sept 12 — Contenders for the Bugaya Manis Muka state seat comprising incumbent Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) Plus candidate Mohd Darah (second, left), and other nominees, from right, Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS) candidate Taraji Jamdi, Abdul Jan Muammil @ Abdul Jim (independent), Ahmad Daud Tampakong (Perikatan Nasional), Ahmad…

Strong earthquake hits Chile’s northern shore

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (NNN-BERNAMA) — A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit Chile’s northern shore area, around 3.36 pm Malaysian time today. A statement issued by the Malaysia Meteorological Department said the epicentre of the earthquake was at 188 km south of Iquique, Chile, with a depth of 81km. The…

Malaysia’s COVID-19 cases spike to 182

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (NNN-BERNAMA) — The number of new COVID-19 cases rose to three figures today, with 182 cases, the highest in last few months after recording 100 cases on Sept 8, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. He said of the 182 new cases, 181 were local transmissions involving…

Indonesia reports 3,737 new COVID-19 cases

By Mohd Shukri Ishak JAKARTA, Sept 11 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Indonesia has reported 3,737 positive COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative figure for infections in the republic to 210,940. Based on data published today in the Indonesian government website on COVID-19, www.covid19.go.id, another 88 deaths were reported, raising…