Covid 19 Update

KTMB to suspend interstate, intercity train services from Wednesday

KTMB to suspend interstate, intercity train services from Wednesday (March 25)

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will be suspending its interstate and intercity train services beginning Wednesday (March 25), and not on Tuesday (March 24) as stated earlier.

According to a statement issued on Monday (March 24), the suspension of the services is until the end of the movement control order (MCO) and the effective date was deferred to Wednesday as many commuters have bought the tickets for tomorrow's train services.

Earlier, its chief executive officer Datuk Kamarulzaman Zainal said with the suspension of the services, only two services - Electric Train Services (ETS) and KTM Intercity - would operate daily, compared to eight in the normal situation.

He said KTM Komuter operation would be reduced to 49 services a day for the Klang Valley and north sector while services of several other trains would be continued to serve certain needs.

"This includes the transporting of medical and food supplies as well as the movement of staff of various critical services involved in the enforcement of the MCO," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Kamarulzaman said Skypark Link train services between Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang would be reduced to four services daily, against eight before.

However, he said KTMB would fully suspend Ekspres Rakyat Timuran, Ekspres Selatan and Shuttle Tebrau services until the MCO enforcement ended.

"Passengers can make amendments or cancel their tickets via the website www.ktmb.com.my, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Express Rail Link (ERL) in a separate statement, said it would limit its services, effective Tuesday (March 24) until further notice.

ERL said the KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) Ekspres and KLIA Transit will run as a combined service at 30-minute intervals from 6am to 10am, and 5pm to 10pm daily.

"Please note that there will be no train services at other times,” the statement said.

Also, the journey time between KL Sentral and KLIA will take 35 minutes, while all departures at the KL Sentral Station will be from KLIA Ekspres Departure platform. - Bernama

Restricted movement for 14 days

Restricted movement for 14 days



Public measure: The movement control order will limit congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.

PETALING JAYA: A movement control order will be imposed from tomorrow until the end of the month to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Prime Minister announced the measure after chairing the National Security Council (NSC) last night.

“The government has decided to enact the measure, starting March 18 until March 31, throughout the whole country.

“This order is being issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, ” he said during a special broadcast.

The measure will restrict the movement and congregation at religious, sport, social and cultural events.

While public and business premises will be closed, Muhyiddin announced that supermarkets, sundry shops and other shops which sell daily essentials will remain open.

Overseas travel for Malaysians will be restricted while those returning to the country must undergo health checks and voluntary quarantine.

Educational centres and schools, including higher learning institutions, will also be closed during this period.

The Prime Minister assured the public that essential services will continue.

These include health services, utilities such as fuel and electricity, along with the Fire and Rescue Department, police and those involved in the food supply chain.

Muhyiddin said he will chair daily NSC meetings and periodic updates will be announced to the public.

He also urged for all Malaysians to be patient during these trying times and to comply with the restrictions.

He assured the public that enough food and essentials are available, including face masks.

But at the same time, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will monitor the supply of these items.

“I realise the public might feel these actions create difficulties and hardships during their day to day lives. However, such action must be taken by the government to contain the outbreak.

“We cannot wait any longer for the situation to turn more dire. Drastic measures have to be taken immediately, ” he said.

He urged the public not to panic and remain calm.

“I believe that with these measures, we will be able to contain the outbreak soon, ” he said.

Muhyiddin also thanked those directly involved in combating the Covid-19 outbreak, including health officers and public servants who have been working around the clock.

“I pray that you will remain strong in performing your duties for the country to ensure public safety, ” he said.

~The Star~

Stay-home notices for all travellers entering Singapore from ASEAN countries, Japan, UK, Switzerland

COVID-19: Stay-home notices for all travellers entering Singapore from ASEAN countries, Japan, UK, Switzerland

People who enter Singapore with recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will be issued with a 14-day stay-home notice. This will take effect from 11.59pm on Monday (Mar 16) and applies to all travellers, including Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Sunday.

People who enter Singapore with recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will be issued with a 14-day stay-home notice.

This will take effect from 11.59pm on Monday (Mar 16) and applies to all travellers, including Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Sunday.

It will not apply to Singaporeans and Malaysians using sea and land crossings with Malaysia, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said, adding that separate arrangements are currently being worked out by a bilateral joint working group with Malaysia.

Mr Wong, who also co-chairs the multi-ministry taskforce, added that about 300,000 people move across the land checkpoints with Malaysia every day.

Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said on Sunday that given Singapore’s proximity to Malaysia, the 14-day stay-home notice will not apply to the land and sea crossings between both countries.

“Singaporean and Malaysian workers who commute between Singapore and Malaysia daily will still be able to do so," Mr Chan said in a Facebook post.

Source: CNA/zl(mi)

Orang Laut a hidden gem of Johor state

Orang Laut a hidden gem of Johor state


For hunting: Jefree talking about traditional tools and weapons at the Seletar cultural centre in Johor Baru.

JOHOR BARU: The Seletar cultural centre at Kampung Sungai Temon, near Taman Perling here, has got to be one of the best-hidden gems in the state as it highlights the lives of Orang Laut or better known as Orang Seletar, one of the Orang Asli tribes in Johor.

The villagers and the Malaysian Society of Marine Science (MSMS) jointly set up the centre, which covers about 232sq m, with RM60,000 funding from the Global Environment Facility.

Back then, it was spearheaded by MSMS project leader, the late Choo Chee Kuang, and Kampung Sungai Temon tok batin (village chief) Salim Palun.

It displays photography of the challenges faced by the Orang Asli due to the rapid development in Iskandar Malaysia.

The centre is now in the care of Salim’s third son.

Jefree said the centre was a popular location for students and environmental conservationists to conduct marine research and population study on the Orang Seletar.

“We offer a tour around the village starting at the gallery before taking a boat ride around Danga Bay and opposite Kampung Bakar Batu.“Visitors will then be brought to a mangrove forest to see the breeding ground for fish, ketam bangkang (mud crabs) and prawns, ” he said.

Jefree said the tour usually ends with a cultural dance featuring folk songs, and handicrafts of the Orang Seletar at the gallery.

“The gallery also shows maps documenting the story of Orang Seletar, and replicas of the traditional boats and hunting tools, ” he added.Jefree said the centre would ensure the Orang Seletar culture was preserved and that the younger generation does not forget their roots.“This is the only Orang Seletar cultural centre managed by the villagers themselves. There is another one in Selangor, but it’s under the care of the state government.

“All proceeds from the activities will be used to preserve the gallery which is built using wood and requires constant care, ” he said, adding that the gallery has received visitors from Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Germany and Australia.

The Seletar cultural centre gallery opens daily from 11am to 10pm every day. For details, call: 019-645 0300 (Jefree).

~The Star~

MATTA: Malaysia is safe for travellers

MATTA: Malaysia is safe for travellers



Fair bargains: (From left) Only World Group Holdings Bhd founder Tan Sri Richard C.K. Koh, Kho and Phua at the media conference to announce the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia programme.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), which is seeking to shore up domestic tourism, is assuring travellers that Malaysia is safe for holidaymakers.

“Malaysia is safe to travel. And for Malaysians, if the price is right there will be action,” said Rocky Kho, chairman of the oversight committee on MATTA Fair’s Cuti-Cuti Malaysia.

He cited the Finance Ministry’s personal income tax relief of up to RM1,000 on expenses for domestic tourism, which was part of Stimulus Package 2020 announced last month.“That is an incentive for Malaysians to travel domestically,” he told a press conference yesterday that was focused on Cuti-Cuti Malaysia events by MATTA Fair, which will be held on April 4 and 5 at the KL Convention Centre.

MATTA said the event would be the first-ever fully local tourism-centric event under its banner.

While there are no plans to have temperature checks during the event, medical personnel will be on standby.

Amid the drop in the tourism industry globally in view of the Covid-19 outbreak, Kho said the domestic tourism market was there to tap into.

“We really don’t know when this outbreak will be over. We’re praying hard that things will pick up again by May. We are hearing news from China that the numbers would be coming back by the end of April, hopefully,” he said.

MATTA chief executive officer Phua Tai Neng said they would follow guidelines set by the Health Ministry in combating the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“We are always guided by their advice,” he said.

On another matter, MATTA congratulated Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri for her appointment as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.

“We have met with YB before and I think she is a very good minister. She’s very open,” said Phua.

~The Star~

New Tourism Minister pledges effective solutions to boost industry

New Tourism Minister pledges effective solutions to boost industry



New Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri is committed to coming up with effective solutions and long-term measures for the tourism sector.

The Batang Sadong MP said she was aware that many industry players, including airlines, were facing trying times from Covid-19 and falling oil prices.

"With the apparent impact of Covid-19 on the world economy, businesses and routines are adversely affected. Coupled with the downward trend of crude oil prices, it is clear that we have to work harder to overcome the challenges ahead.

"I believe our economy is resilient enough to face these challenges.

"With this new Cabinet line-up, we shall take advantage of all opportunities available to persevere through this crisis," she said in a statement on Tuesday (March 10).

Nancy thanked Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for their trust in appointing her to the Cabinet.

She pledged to put the needs of the country and people first in her ministerial duties and to uphold the principles of fairness and equity.

"I shall endeavour to continue serving the people of Malaysia regardless of race, religion and political alliances.

"My focus will be on delivery with the notion of accountability to the rakyat," she said.

She also assured Sarawakians that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would remain focused on preserving and safeguarding the state's constitutional rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
v "To my constituents in Batang Sadong, I am still the same Nancy Shukri you know and will continue to serve you in my capacity as the Member of Parliament of Batang Sadong," she added.

~The Star~

COVID-19: Malaysia bars entry of cruise vessels

COVID-19: Malaysia bars entry of cruise vessels

Malaysia will not to permit entry of cruise vessels to its ports with immediate effect due to the COVID-19 outbreak until the overall situation improves and the spread of the virus is contained, said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said in view of the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia and around the world, various measures were being taken by the Malaysian authorities to contain local transmission and to safeguard public health.

He said entry and transit of cruise vessels, passengers and crew members require considerable medical resources to be made available at ports for screening and treatment purposes.

"During this difficult period, it is important that more medical resources are concentrated at hospitals to attend to medical emergencies and undertake preventive measures.

"As such the Ministry of Health in consultation with other government ministries and agencies has taken the decision not to permit the entry of cruise vessels to Malaysian ports," he said in a Facebook posting today.

Dr Noor Hisham said the Health Ministry aknowledged that the cruise industry is an important component of Malaysia’s tourism sector and has contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy but was hopeful that this is a temporary measure and was confident that the concerted efforts of all parties will assist in resolving the issue at hand soonest possible.

-- BERNAMA

Singaporeans with fever may not be allowed entry

Singaporeans with fever may not be allowed entry

Singaporeans entering Johor through international entry points in the state, including the Causeway and Second Link, can be slapped with a “Not to Land Notice” (NTL) if temperature checks show that they have a fever.

State Health director Dr Aman Rabu said temperature checks were being conducted at all international entry points in Johor following the Covid-19 outbreak.

“When a visitor is found to have a high temperature reading, he or she will be referred to a clinic where further screening will be conducted.

“If the person is suspected to have the potential of carrying Covid-19 or have been infected by the virus, they will be referred to the isolation ward in Permai Hospital, ” he said.

Dr Aman said those with a high temperature but were not suspected of being infected would be advised to get treatment at a nearby clinic.

“In cases of Singaporeans with signs of fever, the health department will notify the Immigration Department.

“An NTL will then be issued to the individual by the department, ” he said.

He said no NTL had yet to be issued to Singaporeans during the Covid-19 checks.

Johor Immigration director Baharuddin Tahir said the department would follow the Health Ministry’s advice on issuing NTLs to Singaporeans with a fever.

“At the moment, only those from the lockdown cities in certain countries would be issued with the NTL.

“This includes Daegu and Cheongdo in South Korea, as well as the Hubei and Hunan provinces of China, ” he said, adding that other countries included Japan, Iran and Italy.

~The Star~

Curry puff

A curry puff (Malay: Karipap, Epok-epok; ) is a snack of Southeast Asian origin. It is a small pie consisting of curry with chicken and potatoes in a deep-fried or baked pastry shell. The curry is quite thick to prevent it from oozing out of the snack.



A common snack in Malaysia and Singapore, the curry puff is one of several "puff" type pastries with different fillings, though now it is by far the most common. Other common varieties include eggs, sardines, and onions or sweet fillings such as yam.

Curry puffs are enjoyed throughout Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar and Thailand. It also shares many similarities with the empanada, a popular pastry in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In Malaysia, curry puffs are commonly found sold freshly fried at many Malay, Chinese and Indian food stalls and even at trendy cafes.

Another Malay version of this snack is known as epok-epok[4] and teh-teh which is smaller than the curry puff. The curry puffs from Indian bakeries differ from epok-epok in the use of 'layered' pastry that creates a flaky crust. Other varieties of the epok epok are filled with a half boiled egg instead of chicken. Another alternative is tinned sardines.There are also vegetarian curry puffs that are in fact not spicy and made from shredded radish, tofu, potatoes and grated carrots. They are often eaten with sweet chili sauce. There is also relatively large and nice looking version of curry puff called shell curry puff sold in shopping malls of Isetan and AEON and others in Malaysia.

Manufacturers have developed a version of the curry puff that can be frozen and later reheated by the consumer. These are suitable for the export market and can be produced in volume for shipment to various regions, such as the Middle East, where there is demand. In addition, new fillings have been experimented with, including tuna and black pepper.

In Indian food stalls in Malaysia, it is quite common to find vegetarian curry puffs with potatoes, carrots and onions as fillings.

~Wikipedia~

Sup Kambing (Mutton Soup)

Sup Kambing or Sop Kambing is a mutton soup from Indonesia, commonly found in Indonesian cuisine and Malaysian cuisine. It is prepared with goat meat, tomato, celery, spring onion, ginger, candlenut and lime leaf, its broth is yellowish in colour.



In Malaysia, sup kambing is associated with Muslim Malaysian Indian community and believed to be of Indian origin. In Singapore, the dish is also associated with the Muslim Indian community of the island.

Ingredients

There are many versions of sup kambing recipes, however there are two main groups of sup kambing traditions; the Indonesian version are derived mainly from Arab, and to some extent, Dutch influences, while Malaysian and Singaporean version is often called as sup kambing Mamak which solely derived from Muslim Indian influences. Other main differences are the Malaysian and Singaporean version consists of the chunks of goat meat in yellowish, rather thick and oily broth with rich spices; while in Indonesian version, the goat meat often also includes its bones (ribs or leg bones), has a lighter broth and balanced spices, and it also contains slices of vegetables including tomato, leek, celery, carrot and sometimes potato.

A simple sup kambing recipe uses goat meat, slices of tomato, leek, celery, and ground spices which includes; ginger, pepper, garlic, shallot and salt. However, another elaborate recipes might add more complex spices, which might includes cardamom, cinnamon, candlenut, nutmeg, clove and star anise to add aroma and taste.

~Wikipedia~

Aura Islam aims to attract 500,000 visitors at exhibition of Prophet's artifacts

Aura Islam aims to attract 500,000 visitors at exhibition of Prophet's artifacts



The Anjung Heritage and Islamic Arts Gallery (Aura Islam) at Anjung Neighbourhood Centre here is targeting to get 500,000 visitors to its exhibition on the personal artifacts of Prophet Muhammad being held throughout this year.

Manhajj Brothers Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Anuar Hassan said the gallery, which was opened in September last year, had more than 120 artifacts on display.

The artifacts on display included those belonging to Prophet Muhammad’s companions and collections from the Ottoman and Abbasid empire,” he told reporters at the launch of the gallery’s official logo here today.

Also present were Johor Mufti Datuk Yahya Ahmad and Manhajj Brothers chief operation officer Mohamad Yusof Mohd Surid.

Anuar said Manhajj Brothers is targeting more domestic and foreign tourists to visit the gallery this year in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia and Visit Johor Year 2020.

He said among the relics on display were the prophet’s sandals, hair, beard, turban, Zam Zam water container, foot prints and sands from the prophet’s tomb and its key.

Also on display were the Kiswah (cloths covering the Kaabah), palanquin, golden Quran, as well as war relics fom the Ottoman empire, he added.

Anuar said the gallery is opened everyday from 10 am to 10 pm, with ticket priced at RM20 for adult and RM10 for senior citizen, children aged six to 12, the disabled and university students.

Meanwhile, Yahya, in his speech, said the State Mufti’s Office support Manhajj Brothers’ effort in opening the gallery.

“When the company applied for permission to exhibit these artifacts, I accepted with an open heart. I call on not just Malaysians, but also those from neighboring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Mindanao (the Philippines) to take the opportunity to see Prophet Muhammad’s artifacts in a show of love for the prophet,” he added.

-- BERNAMA