Possible economic shutdown and other news you may have missed

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

1. A leaked letter by the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia) suggests that a shutdown of the economy is on the table if the current movement control order (MCO) can't bring down the number of Covid-19 cases by Feb 4.

2. Eurocham Malaysia said the leaked letter was supposed to be confidential and stressed that businesses should instead focus on complying with the standard operating procedures to avoid a shutdown of the economy.

3. A tour van association also called for tougher restrictions during the MCO despite already suffering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

4. Apart from Jan 13, the first day of the MCO, new Covid-19 cases have numbered more than 3,000 daily. Yesterday was the 11th consecutive day with new infections above 3,000 a day.

5. Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said while many comply with the rule to wear masks many still do not practise social distancing which is causing the virus to spread.

6. The National Security Council has approved the Thaipusam chariot procession to Batu Caves but limited it to a maximum of 10 participants.

7. Deputy Education Minister Dr Mah Hang Soon said the decision to partially open schools to SPM and STPM students was a difficult but balanced decision, considering the future of their tertiary education.

8. The remaining students are learning from home but this poses challenges as attendance is often low.

9. Durian Tunggal assemblyperson Mohd Sofi Abdul Wahab urged the Education Ministry to revive the education TV programmes which was first introduced in the 1970s to help students learn at home.

10. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall rounded up 140 homeless people in the city as part of its measures against the spread of Covid-19.

11. PSB claimed the Sarawak government wanted to lift the emergency so that it could hold a snap state election, and accused it of endangering the public.

12. The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) has filed a suit against the Registrar of Societies for refusing to approve the registration of the party.

13. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said there shouldn't be arguments over who should be the prime minister during the current state of emergency.

14. Human rights group Suaram said it was horrified by the brutal death of G Jestus Kevin at the Bentong district police headquarters and reiterated for the need of a proper Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).