More gov't help for SMEs and 9 news from yesterday

KINI ROUNDUP | Here are key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.

1. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced more assistance for small and medium enterprises, including zero-interest loans and grants, tax relief for landlords for reducing rent on commercial properties and increased wage subsidies.

2. Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa hinted that the movement control order, which expires on April 14, could be extended, while Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said more areas may be placed under the enhanced version of the order. Muhyiddin urged Malaysians to remain resolute, saying there would be better days ahead.

3. The Inland Revenue Board’s website initially said the spouse of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, Rosmah Mansor, is eligible to receive aid under the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) programme, but the entry was later removed. Najib said the system is automated and she will donate the money to a fund for Covid-19 victims if she indeed receives the money.

4. Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has urged pet owners to maintain good personal hygiene while the ministry works with the Department of Veterinary Services to provide further advice on handling animals amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This comes as more animals, including a Malayan tiger, are reported to have tested positive for the disease.

5. After losing five family members to Covid-19, Aida Nabila Mohamad Ghazali has urged people to be responsible and honest about their travel history and to follow orders to stay home.

6. NGOs are calling for an inquest into the death of G Jestus Kevin, 30, in police custody in Bentong. They said concern over Covid-19 is no excuse for any delay of the inquest.

7. Courts in several states are meting out fines and community service orders as punishment for people violating the movement control order due to concerns raised that the prisons could become overcrowded.

8. The Covid-19 pandemic could soon drive up the price of imported rice due to panic buying and reduced exports from Vietnam.

9. Former primary industries minister Teresa Kok said it is a mistake for the federal government to remove Bakke Salleh as the head of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), citing Bakke’s vast experience and record of integrity.

10. Amanah president Mohamad Sabu has questioned the authenticity of a letter purportedly written by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in Arabic to Muslim leaders worldwide, but he said it is a “grossly immoral act” if the letter turns out to be genuine.