There are plans to expand virtual COVID-19 assessment centres (CAC) in several states. Following the success of the virtual CAC in monitoring Category 1 and 2 COVID-19 cases in the Greater Klang Valley area, efforts are being made to set up virtual CACs in other states to deal with the high number of cases in the country. The move will allow for assessment to be carried out virtually initially with cases referred for further medical treatment if needed.

The Health Ministry has established the National Rapid Response Task Force to mobilise healthcare workers to states with spike in COVID-19 cases. This was to ensure frontline health workers do not suffer burnout from the increased workload. Through the task force, the ministry had mobilised 223 staff to Penang, 156 to Kedah, and 102 to Sabah following the surge in cases in those states.

Petrol stations, convenience shops, restaurants and other eateries in all states, irrespective of which phase they are under the National Recovery Plan (NRP), may soon be allowed to operate from 6am until midnight daily. However, this does not apply to premises operating in localities under Enhanced Movement Control Order.

At least 308,000 teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of yesterday, 21 September. Sabah topped the list with 118,000 doses, while other states such as Sarawak had administered 88,000 doses, Kedah (19,000), Kelantan (17,000), Johor (16,000) and Labuan (2,500).

Malaysia remains an attractive investment destination but political stability needed for economic growth and investment, according to the recently concluded ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) consultation meeting in Malaysia with business associations representing US businesses to discuss Malaysia’s efforts in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) from the United States and its business communities.

Lately we have been hearing news about the use of sanitiser guns on customers upon entry to the premises. While the liquid used for these guns can be applied on most surfaces, it is not meant to be directly sprayed onto a person. Adding to this, disinfection expert LT Leong, SteraMist Advisor to TOMI SteraMist, an AMCHAM member, advised consumers to educate themselves and not to be blinded with the many products available in the market.

Congratulations to Nurin A. (’22), a Grade 12 student and International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholar at ISKL, who conducted an online fundraiser successfully raising RM 20,000 to aid the ‘Bendera Putih’ or ‘White Flag’ movement! With the donations, Nurin worked with various non-governmental organizations such as Kembara Kitchen, Pertiwi Kitchen, SERUM Initiative, MBKJ Cheras and a single mother’s group in Langkawi, to purchase and distribute essential items such as non-perishable food, sanitary items, baby formula, baby diapers, and other necessities.

Intel Malaysia, has committed an additional RM2 Million to assist in the battle against COVID-19 in the country. This is in addition to RM3.2 Million already contributed since the onset of the pandemic last year, making the total contribution over RM5 Million so far.

It’s easy to acknowledge the game-changing role digital technologies are playing in the modern economy. The challenge, to which most companies have yet to rise, is figuring out how to fully capture the different kinds of value that these technologies offer. Developing a strategy for digital transformation that fully leverages this value is also not easy.