New COVID-19 cases in Malaysia up 119 pct last week

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (NNN-Bernama) — The number of new COVID-19 cases in Malaysia for the 19th epidemiological week (ME) this year (May 8 to May 14) increased by 119.2 per cent to 19,137 cases compared to 8,732 cases in ME18. Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the development…

Singapore reports three local COVID-19 positive cases for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants

By Massita Ahmad SINGAPORE, May 16 (NNN-Bernama) – Singapore has detected two local COVID-19 cases infected with the BA.4 variant, and one local case infected with the BA.5 variant, according to the republic’s the Health Ministry (MOH). “These are the first community cases confirmed to be infected with the BA.4…

Thailand, Saudi Arabia strive to enhance bilateral ties through exchanges of high level visits

BANGKOK, May 16 (NNN-Bernama) — Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia – aimed at boosting bilateral ties and promote cooperation on politics, economic, trade and investment. In a statement, Thai Foreign Ministry said Don’s visit from May 15 to 18 is joined by 78…

Formation of US-Malaysia committee equitable move to resolve palm oil, rubber issues

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), May 15 (NNN-Bernama) —  The establishment of a working committee between Malaysia and the United States to address the issue of alleged forced labour is an equitable move to resolve palm oil and rubber issues, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin. In welcoming the decision by the…

Imran Khan alleges conspiracy to assassinate him

NEW DELHI, May 15 (NNN-Bernama) — Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan alleged on Saturday night that there is a conspiracy to assassinate him. Speaking at a mass rally in Sialkot city, Imran said he recorded a video mentioning the names of “conspirators” so that people would know who wanted…

Malaysian government effort to work with US CBP will help address forced labour issues

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has expressed support for the government’s initiatives to explore more business opportunities with the United States (US), including the move to work together with the US Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in addressing forced labour issues. “The initiative to set up a working committee with…

ASEAN, US redouble collective efforts towards peaceful solution in Myanmar — joint vision statement

BANGKOK, May 15 (NNN-Bernama) — ASEAN and the United States (US) will redouble their collective efforts towards a peaceful solution in Myanmar.  In a joint vision statement after the ASEAN-US Special Summit – the first-ever to be held in Washington, D.C. – it said ASEAN member states and the US remain deeply concerned over the crisis in Myanmar.…

ASEAN, US committed to advance cooperation in maritime domain

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (NNN-Bernama) — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States committed to advancing their cooperation in the maritime domain through ASEAN-led mechanisms.  A joint vision statement released after the ASEAN-US Special Summit held in Washington D.C. on May 12-13, said they planned to forge…

Malaysian FM, Myanmar’s NUG FM meet in Washington

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had an informal meeting with Foreign Minister of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG), Zin Mar Aung in Washington D.C. on Saturday. In his Twitter posting, Saifuddin said he expressed Malaysia’s support and solidarity with the people of Myanmar and stood…

Indian edible oil importers see ‘ugly’ supply crunch if Indonesia ban continues

NEW DELHI, May 14 (NNN-Bernama) — Indian vegetable oil importers predict an “ugly” supply crunch if top producer Indonesia maintains its ban on palm oil exports to meet domestic demand. The problem gets more serious for India, the world’s biggest importer of edible oils, due to the Ukraine-Russia war disrupting…