Tag Archives: Shopping

Will QR code on free water bottle empty your bank account?!

Will the QR code on a free water bottle really empty your bank account if you scan it?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : QR Code On Free Water Bottle Will Empty Your Bank Account!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp and social media, claiming or suggesting that water bottles are being distributed by scammers, and scanning the QR code on those water bottles will empty your bank accounts!

Don’t scan any gift QR, it will Zero your bank account.

The scammer put a new thermos bottle on the iron door. Never scan the QR code on a thermos. Once scanned, the money from the bank account was stolen by the fraudsters. Please spread the word

Here is a translated transcript of what the man says in the video below:

After we came out of the house, we saw this tumbler. This is one of the ways they placed the tumbler on our gates. My house received one, my neighbour also received one. See.

So people have to be careful because the bottle says “Scan QR get RM200 cash coupon”. Go Shopping. You have to be careful. My neighbour also received one.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Thermos-QR-code-scam-video.mp4?_=1

Truth : QR Code On Free Water Bottle Will Not Empty Your Bank Account!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news circulating online, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Go Shopping Appears To Be Legitimate App

I traced the Go Shopping app to both the Google Play Store (archive), and the Apple App Store (archive), and it appears to be a genuine mobile app. In both stores, it describes itself as:

Go Shopping is an online shopping app primarily serving the Southeast Asian region. It has expanded to over 7 countries, amassing more than 200,000 users. Go Shopping garners support from major source manufacturers, differentiating it from other e-commerce platforms.

As a rapidly growing new e-commerce platform, Go Shopping offers Southeast Asian users high value-for-money shopping, a wide range of products, and various discount plans. Many popular products on the Go Shopping platform are available at substantial discounts of 40% to 60%. Consumers can learn more about products and join flash sale groups

In the Google Play Store, the developer was listed as NWS Hardware Trading, while in the Apple App Store, the developer was listed as Yap Chee Leong.

In the Google Play Store, the Go Shopping app has a 3.5 star rating, and it has a 3.3 star rating in the Apple App Store.

Fact #2 : NWS Hardware Trading Appears To Be Legitimate Company

I looked up NWS Hardware Trading, and it appears to be a genuine company that was incorporated on 10 May 2022 in Malaysia, with the SSM registration number of 003396291-V.

According to CTOS (archive), its official business type was listed as “trading in furniture hardware and aluminium glass door for kitchen and wardrobe“.

However, on two different job recruitment websites (here, here), NWS Hardware Trading uses the same Go Shopping logo, and says that it aims to create “a reliable business platform for shoppers to buy good products and save money“:

About NWS Hardware Trading

WORTH is aimed to present a reliable business platform for the Shoppers to buy the good products and save money. More than 3,000 manufacturers and suppliers have business cooperation with us to help factories clear their inventories.

This basically confirms that NWS Hardware Trading is a legitimate company registered in Malaysia, and it developed and owns the Go Shopping app that is available in both the Google Play Store, and the Apple App Store.

Fact #3 : QR Code Is Not Malicious In Nature

QR code (which is short for Quick Response code) is not nefarious or malicious in nature.

The QR code is merely a type of two dimensional barcode that was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company, Denso Wave, to track automotive parts. It has since been adopted for other purposes because it is more efficient and can support more than just numbers. For example, Version 40 QR code can contain up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 characters.

Ultimately, a QR code is nothing more than a series of numbers or characters – data which can be used for a variety of purposes, including providing a link to an online restaurant menu.

Fact #4 : QR Code Cannot Empty Bank Accounts

While QR codes are not malicious by nature, scammers can and do create fake QR codes to trick people. In Texas, for example, fake QR codes were placed on parking meters to trick drivers into keying their credit card or bank login information in fake (phishing) websites that look like a genuine payment website.

I tried a number of ways to scan the QR code, but was unsuccessful. The resolution appears to be too poor in the video, or the QR code was too distorted to be scanned successfully. So I cannot confirm that the QR code leads to the Go Shopping app, or a phishing website.

That said, scanning the QR code itself won’t empty your bank account, as people are claiming on WhatsApp and social media. That’s the stuff of bad movie plots.

What can happen though is that scammers can create such water bottles using logos of legitimate companies, and insert QR codes that lead to fake (phishing) websites that masquerade as bank or payment platforms, to trick you into giving up your credit card or bank login details.

Then the scammers can use those details to make fraudulent charges on your credit card, or log into your bank account to transfer money.

Fact #5 : Go Shopping Is Pretty Obscure

Truth be told, scammers would more likely use more famous or familiar brands or apps like TNG eWallet, Grab, Maybank MAE, etc. to trick you into giving up your credit card or bank login details.

You are more likely to trust a QR code from a well-known brand, rather than an obscure brand like Go Shopping, whose app has only garnered some 10,000 downloads in the Google Play Store.

Although I cannot verify the QR code on the water bottle, this looks like a marketing promotion by NWS Hardware to promote its Go Shopping app.

Fact #6 : You Can Choose Not To Scan QR Code

If you receive such a water bottle, there is a simple solution – you can use it without scanning the QR code.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Did US Send 7000 Insects To Destroy Crops In China?!

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Did the US try to send 7,000 Drosophila insects into China to destroy their crops?! Take a look at viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

Updated @ 2024-03-23 : Updated for new release
Originally posted @ 2023-04-19

Claim : US Sent 7,000 Insects To Destroy Crops In China!

People are sharing a video of a Chinese news report about Chinese custom officials discovering 66 containers of some 7,000 insects in a parcel shipped from the US.

They allege that this is evidence of American sabotage – that the US sent those insects to destroy crops in China. The video is often shared with such messages :

China customs found 7000 insects sent from the USA. Out to destroy crops in China.

An evil country on the way down trying to pull others down too with sickening and rather despicable tactics !
🤬🤬🤬

The video showed China 🇨🇳 Port Custom, checked a luggage claimed to contain clothing. But when scanned through & upon suspicion, Custom Officers opened up the bag. They found there were more than 60 bottles containing the larvae of Drosophila, some 7k of it. If these bottles of larvae Drosophila were successfully smuggled into China & the matured Drosophila spread throughout the whole China. It will destroy all the fruits plantation/orchards. The matured ones multiplies & spread very fast. The luggage is from USA 🇺🇸. The acts of inhumanity in infecting & destroying China 🇨🇳 food chain. Evilness knows no boundries.

Did the US try to send 7,000 fruit flies into China to destroy their crops?! 😲🤔

Here is my fact check : https://t.co/plL00Op2DC #TechARP #China #UnitedStates #Wumao #Propaganda #Controversy #Agriculture #Crops #Food #Safety #Danger #Facts #FactsMatter #FactCheck #FakeNews pic.twitter.com/ue90TcI1mw

— Dr. Adrian Wong (@DrAdrianWong) April 20, 2023

In addition to claiming that these insects are dangerous to crops, some pro-CCP or Chinese-sponsored websites are promoting the claim that these insects had their genes edited to become “more infectious”, like a “super mosquito”.

They also point out that each of these insects can reproduce every 10 days, laying 400 eggs in their lifetime to quickly produce a swarm that will destroy fruits in China, by corrupting them with bacteria and fungi.

Truth : US Did Not Send 7,000 Insects To Destroy Crops In China!

This is yet another example of fake news created by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), and shared by pro-CCP netizens and websites, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : The Incident Happened In July 2022

First, let us establish what we know about this case.

Sometime in early July 2022, Qingdao customs officers examined a package sent from the United States. Its declaration form claimed that the parcel contained clothes.

When they opened it up, they found two pieces of clothes inside, with 66 sealed tubes containing eggs, larvae, pupae and adult insects.

After analysing them, Qingdao custom officers estimated that the 66 tubes contained roughly 7,000 fruit flies, specifically of the species Drosophila melanogaster.

Fact #2 : Drosophila megalogaster Is Present Worldwide

Drosophila melanogaster is known as the common fruit fly, which is commonly present across the world. Yes, this fruit fly is already present in China.

Despite originating in Africa – it is now present on all continents across the world, including islands.

Fact #3 : Drosophila megalogaster Can Lay Up To 2,000 Eggs

The Chinese media promoting this story can’t even get their facts right, claiming that these fruit flies lay up to 400 eggs in their lifetime.

Drosophila melanogaster females are far more productive than that – they can lay up to 100 eggs a day, and up to 2,000 eggs in a lifetime.

Fact #4 : Drosophila megalogaster Do Not Cause Fruits To Rot

Drosophila melanogaster is not an economic pest, even though no one welcomes them in their home.

It is often confused with Tephritidae – a different family of insects that are also called fruit flies, some of which are economic pests that destroy fruits.

Unlike Tephritidae fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster do not destroy fruits. They are attracted to fruit that is already rotting, but do not cause fruits to rot.

The claims that the US sent Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies to destroy crops in China is nonsense.

Fact #5 : Drosophila megalogaster Is Commonly Used For Research

Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies are very popular in scientific research, for many reasons :

they are easy and cheap to care for, requiring little equipment and space
they have a rapid life cycle of 10 days, allowing several generations to be studied in a few weeks
each female can produce many offspring, laying up to 2,000 eggs in its lifetime
they have simple genetics, with only four pairs of chromosomes
their genome was completely sequenced and published in the year 2000

Scientists do not mention this as a reason for using Drosophila melanogaster, but I think it is important to note that it is not a pest, so accidental release of these fruit flies would not pose any danger of any form or kind.

Fact #6 : Drosophila megalogaster Is Commonly Shipped Worldwide

Because it is a model organism for research, Drosophila melanogaster is bred and shipped internationally to researchers worldwide.

The College of Agriculture and Life Science at Cornell University, for example, breeds and sells Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies, which they ship internationally including China.

Fact #7 : 2021 Seized Shipment Was Meant For Chinese Research Institute

This wasn’t the first time China seized live Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies in such tubes.

In June 2021, Chinese custom officials found 58 tubes containing more than 1,000 of these fruit flies in an imported parcel addressed to a Chinese research institute.

They seized the parcel because its contents were not declared, and it lacked an import permit.

Fact #8 : China Requires Quarantine For Live Insects

China forbids live insects from being mailed or carried into the country, without special quarantine or approval. However, quarantine is a problem for Drosophila melanogaster because it has such a short lifespan of just 50 days.

Hence, it is possible that Chinese researchers are trying to circumvent the quarantine by importing live Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies, without an import permit which would require quarantine.

It is also possible that these fruit flies are being imported as a live food source for people’s pet fish, frogs and other animals.

Fact #9 : Cornell University Warned About Chinese Import Permit

Cornell University specifically warned Chinese researchers trying to purchase these fruit flies that :

As of November 1, 2014, we can only offer free replacements for shipments of live flies to China that were accompanied by an import permit.

That suggests that they lost shipments to China in the past, because they lacked import permits.

Fact #10 : This Is Just Chinese Propaganda

This is really nothing more than yet another example of Chinese propaganda created by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛). Here is just the latest dozen I fact-checked:

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Why Viral Video Does Not Show Bangkok Mall Shooting!

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The video which appears to show a gunman shooting at people does not actually the recent Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok!

Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Viral Video Shows Bangkok Mall Shooting!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming that it shows the recent Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok!

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/WhatsApp-Video-2023-10-07-at-15.24.22.mp4?_=2

Truth : Viral Video Does Not Show Bangkok Mall Shooting!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Video Was Posted In Douyin

I traced the video that was posted to Douyin – China’s version of TikTok. The original poster (OP) is a Douyin user called Master ho (@yzz945201314), and here is the direct link to the video.

Fact #2 : Video Was Posted In August 2023

Master ho posted the video on 9 August 2023. The Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok only occurred on 3 October 2023 – almost two months later.

So there is simply impossible for the viral video to be of the Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok.

Fact #3 : Video Was Recorded In Phuket In June 2023

Even though the viral video was only posted to Douyin in August, it was originally recorded more than a month earlier – on Friday, 28 June 2023.

It was also not recorded in the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok. Rather, it was recorded in the Domestic Terminal of the Phuket International Airport.

If you look carefully at the video, you will notice the airport check-in counters, and people carrying luggages. The video was obviously recorded at an airport, and not a mall.

Fact #4 : Siam Paragon Shooter Was Only Armed With Pistol

The Siam Paragon mall shooter was an unnamed 14 year-old teenager from the nearby private secondary school – The Essence.

The boy was only armed with a modified Glock 9mm pistol, and did not have any long guns with him.

The shooter in the viral video was not only armed with a handgun, he also had what looked like an automatic rifle.

Fact #5 : It Was An Active Shooter Drill

The viral video does not show any actual crime, or gun violence taking place. It was an emergency security drill to simulate a response to an “active shooter” in the Phuket International Airport. In the photo above, you can even see a man taking photos or videos of the drill!

The drill was called “Full-scal exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023), and conducted on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal, at around 11 PM – -after boarding for the final departing domestic flight had cleared the area.

The exercise was designed to simulate the coordinated response of security and anti-terrorism personnel to an active shooter taking hostages in the domestic terminal area. Thai agencies and personnel that took part in this PEMEX 2023 exercise included:

Thai Provincial Police Region 8
Sakhu Police
Phuket Airline Operations Committee (AOC)
Airports of Thailand ground service company (AOTGA)
Airports of Thailand private security company (AOT AVSEC)
Vachira Phuket Hospital
Phuket Provincial Public Health Office
Subdistrict Administrative Organisations (OrBorTor) for Mai Khao, Sakhu, and Thepkrasattri.

Fact #6 : There Are Many Clues In The Video

The truth is – anyone who analyses the video will realise that there are many “issues” with this video:

the gunshots do not sound like real gunshots
gunshots ring out even when the gunman isn’t shooting
none of the victims are bleeding
the person recording the video is bravely standing up to record the video for almost 2.5 minutes
the person recording the video can be heard laughing at around 0:18 in the video
at around 1:30, another man can be seen recording the scene from the upper floor

Fact #7 : OP Likely Reposted From A Different Source

The Douyin poster, Master ho, does not appear to be the person recording the video. He mistakenly labelled the location as Songkhla Airport – more accurately known as the Hat Yai International Airport in the Songkhla Province.

泰国宋卡机场发生枪击事件，听说是演习农因因因

A shooting incident occurred at Songkhla Airport in Thailand. It was said that it an exercise.

However, he clearly stated in the description, and his subsequent comments, that it was just a drill.

Whoever copied this video from his Douyin account is certainly aware that the video was of an airport drill, and posted almost 3 months earlier.

The only conclusion we can draw from this is that – whoever copied the video to share in October 2023, is intentionally trying to mislead people.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Marshall Minor III Wireless Earphones Scam Alert!

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Please watch out for the Marshall Minor III wireless earphones scam! Take a look at the scam, and find out what the facts really are!

Marshall Minor III Wireless Earphones Scam Alert!

Scammers are running Facebook ads that promote an awesome discount for the Marshall Minor III wireless earphones! Here is one recent example:

😣”Frustrating” 😣I had to queue for 5 hours at IOI City Mall to buy MARSHALL MINOR III wireless headphones for only RM179 (original price RM596), I was surprised because I thought they only sold directly I heard it’s open for sale online in 2 more days https://www.marshall-ash.asia/ms And also get the same discount as buying at the store. Free shipping nationwide.

But the 4 hours of queuing was worth it. As a Marshall fan, I was very excited when I heard the news that the Minor III series was coming out. And don’t waste your time waiting, the design is very beautiful, more stylish than the old version 💯 Great sound quality. Clear bus, fast Bluetooth connection, suitable for all types of devices, super battery life, 5 hours of continuous use and 25 hours with charging box, waterproof. The best thing about these headphones is the close-to-ear design. Comfortable, can play sports without worrying about falling. If you don’t buy it, you will be very disappointed.

I let my colleagues borrow it to play games because it sounded so realistic. There is no delay in movement.
Many people ask me if the store still has promotions? I just saw information that the store has a discount in the next 2 days. Order quickly. At the end of the promotion, the price will return to the original price of RM596. I leave the purchase link here for those who want to buy: https://www.marshall-ash.asia/ms

Recommended : Bantuan Rakyat Malaysia Scam Alert!

Marshall Minor III Offer : Why Is It A Scam?!

This is yet another example of SCAMS circulating on Facebook, and here are there reasons why…

Fact #1 : Marshall Minor III Price Absurdly Low

The first thing about scams involving electronics, is that they often promise ridiculous great deals. If it’s too good to be true, it often is just a scam.

In this particular scam, scammers are offering the Marshall Minor III wireless earphones for just RM179 (US$39). That’s absurd, as the Marshall Minor II wireless earphones has an official retail price of $159 (approximately RM699)!

Marshall is a high-end audiophile brand, and its electronics are never cheap. Even if they offer a discount, it wouldn’t be anything like 70% to 75%. That’s just ridiculous.

For your safety, here are legit purchase options online for the Marshall Minor III earbuds :

Malaysia : Shopee | Shopee | Shopee
Singapore : Shopee
United States : Amazon | Amazon
United Kingdom : Amazon

Fact #2 : Facebook Advertisement Is Fake

The Facebook advertisement appears to be created by a handsome influencer called 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠 瑾.鍾.瑾. with 5.5 million followers.

But that’s what the scammers put in the intro. If you look carefully, this scam page only has 13 followers!

Recommended : Warning – PDRM Parking Fine Scam Alert!

Fact #3 : That Is “Push” Puttichai Kasetsin

The page is not owned by any influencer or digital creator called 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠 瑾.鍾.瑾.

Those are actually photos of Puttichai Kasetsin – a Thai actor, model, DJ and TV host who is also known as “Push”.

Fact #4 : IOI City Mall Does Not Have A Marshall Outlet

The claim by these scammers that Alvinn Chong queued up for 5 hours at the IOI City Mall to buy the Marshall Minor III wireless earphones is easily debunked.

If you check the IOI City Mall tenant listing, you will quickly discover that it does not have a Marshall outlet.

Fact #5 : Queue Photos Are From Vietnam

The two photos which claim to show long queues for the Marshall Minor III wireless earphones were not taken in Malaysia. They were actually taken in Vietnam.

This photo does not show people in IOI City Mall queueing up outside a Marshall outlet. It actually shows people queuing up for the opening of the 15th Pandora store at the Long Bien Aeon Mall, on 28 April 2022.

Incidentally, Pandora is a Danish jewellery brand, and does not sell Marshall audio products…

The second queue photo is also from Vietnam, but taken many years ago on 11 November 2017. It does not show people queuing up to buy any Marshall products either.

They were actually queuing up at Royal City Shopping Center in Hanoi, for the opening ceremony of the second H&M store in Vietnam.

Fact #6 : Scam Website Not Affiliated With ASH Asia

ASH Asia is an authorised distributor of Marshall products in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

However, the scam page (https://www.marshall-ash.asia/ms) has nothing to do with ASH Asia, whose official Marshall Minor III page is https://ash-asia.com/ms.

On top of that, ASH Asia does not sell the Marshall Minor III directly (like the scam page). Instead, ASH Asia sells the wireless earphones through Shopee and Lazada.

In fact, if you check the main domain itself, you will get an error message, stating:

Your domain name has been successfully pointed! Please publish a Landing Page with the above domain name to use the service. Thank you!

This not only gives it away as a scam website, it also suggests that the scammers are operating out of Vietnam.

Fact #7 : Scam Website Admits Selling Fake Marshall Minor III

Ironically, the scam website itself has a disclaimer, warning potential buyers that it is not selling genuine Marshall Minor III wireless earphones, but a replica instead…

Most people won’t notice it because if you click to order, the website is designed to skip past this warning.

Fact #8 : Package Apparently Contained “Trash”?

To assure you that this is safe, the scammers say that you only need to pay on delivery. Sounds good, doesn’t it? That guarantees that you will at least receive the item, doesn’t it?

Not quite, as one person who claimed to have purchased from this scam website explained…

I was attracted and clicked in, filling in my address and phone number. Three days later, I got a call saying that my package would arrive through DHL-COD, and asked me to make sure I was home.

I started looking forward to it, but when I thought about it, I became more suspicious. Since when does DHL provide Cash On Delivery service? I can’t believe they would dare to pay for first-class service without any payment from me. I figured it might be a scam!

What’s the scam? You may not have any doubts when you receive the package. When I open it immediately and take a look, then I realized it was full of garbage. [Unfortunately] I had already paid the delivery person, who ran away.

我被吸引点了进去，填了地址电话。跟着三天后有电话来说我的包裹会到，DHL-COD的，确定我在家等。我开始很期待。跟着想，越想越不对。DHL有COD的服务咩？我还没过账他们就这么敢与服务一流到我不敢相信。我猜可能是诈骗！骗什么？当你收到包裹时是不会怀疑，立刻打开来看的。然后才发现里面是垃圾。人跑了钱给了。。。

If true, the scam involves giving you an empty package filled with trash to receive your cash payment. After which, you have no recourse.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Pinduoduo App Contains Persistent Spy Malware!

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One of China’s most popular apps – Pinduoduo apparently contains a malware that monitors user activities and is difficult to remove!

Take a look at what CNN and multiple cybersecurity researchers have discovered about Pinduoduo!

Pinduoduo : What Is It?

Pinduoduo is actually a Chinese online retailer. Think of it as China’s Amazon. While Amazon started as an online bookstore, Pinduoduo started as an online agricultural retailer.

Since then, Pinduoduo has become one of China’s most popular online shopping platform, with its app offering its 750 million users access to cheap products in China, by offering steep discounts on group buying orders.

Despite its meteoric rise, Pinduoduo has not been without its controversies. In 2018, the company was criticised for hosting inferior and imitation products, to which it responded by taking down more than 4 million listing and shutting down 1,128 stores.

In 2019, Pinduoduo was hit by hackers who stole discount coupons worth tens of millions of Yuan. And just last month, Google suspended the Pinduoduo app after discovering that versions offered outside its Play Store contained malware.

The Off-Play versions of the e-commerce app that have been found to contain malware have been enforced on via Google Play Protect.

Pinduoduo App Contains Persistent Spy Malware!

Western interest may have been initiated by Google suspending the Pinduoduo app, but cybersecurity experts had already started looking into the app, and what they discovered was very troubling.

Alert First Raised By Chinese Cybersecurity Company

I think we should start by noting that it was a Chinese cybersecurity company called Dark Navy that first raised concerns about malware in the Pinduoduo app in February 2023.

Although Dark Navy did not name Pinduoduo in its report, cybersecurity researchers knew who it was referring to and soon followed up with their own investigations and reports, confirming Dark Navy’s report.

Sophisticated Malware

Half a dozen cybersecurity teams from Asia, Europe and the United States identified sophisticated malware in the Pinduoduo app that were designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the Android operating system used by many smartphones.

The malware allows the Pinduoduo app to bypass Android security features to monitor activities in other apps, check notifications, read private messages, and even change settings. It is also difficult to remove once installed.

Mikko Hyppönen, chief research officer at WithSecure, a Finnish cybersecurity firm, said that:

We haven’t seen a mainstream app like this trying to escalate their privileges to gain access to things that they’re not supposed to gain access to. This is highly unusual, and it is pretty damning for Pinduoduo.

Dedicated Hacking Team To Look For Vulnerabilities

Even more damning, CNN reported that a current employee revealed that Pinduoduo set up a team of about 100 engineers and product managers to look for vulnerabilities in Android smartphones, and find ways to exploit them for profit.

To avoid exposure, the source said that the company targeted users in rural areas and smaller towns, and avoided users in megacities like Beijing and Shanghai.

By collecting expansive data on those users, Pinduoduo was able to create a comprehensive portrait of their habits, interests, and preferences; while improving its machine learning models to personalise push notifications and ads.

Pinduoduo App Gained More Access Than Allowed

Three cybersecurity companies – WithSecure, Check Point Research, and Oversecured conducted independent analysis of version 6.49.0 of the Pinduoduo app that was released in late February 2023, and found code designed to achieve “privilege escalation” – a type of cyberattack that exploits vulnerabilities in the operating system to gain a higher level of access to data that it’s supposed to have.

Our team has reverse engineered that code and we can confirm that it tries to escalate rights, tries to gain access to things normal apps wouldn’t be able to do on Android phones.

The Pinduoduo app was able to continue running in the background, and prevent itself from being uninstalled. This was apparently done to boost the platform’s statistic for monthly active users.

Pinduoduo App Has Access To User Data Without Consent

Delware-based app security start-up, Oversecured, found that the Pinduoduo app had access to user data like locations, contacts, calendars, notifications, and photo albums, without their consent.

The app was also able to change system settings, and access user social media accounts and chats.

Pinduoduo App Also Snooped On Other Apps

The Pinduoduo app also had the ability to snoop on competing shopping apps, by tracking activity on other shopping apps, and gathering information from them.

Pinduoduo App Able To Secretly Receive Updates

Check Point Research found that Pinduoduo was able to push updates to the app, without first going through an app store review process to detect malicious code.

Pinduoduo App Programmers Attempted To Obscure Malicious Code

Check Point Research also found that some plug-ins used by the Pinduoduo app tried to obscure potentially malicious code by hiding them under legitimate file names, such as Google’s.

Such a technique is widely used by malware developers that inject malicious code into applications that have legitimate functionality.

Pinduoduo Targeted Android Devices

According to Sergey Toshin, founder of Oversecured, Pinduoduo’s malware specifically targeted Android operating systems used by Samsung, HUAWEI, Xiaomi and OPPO.

He also described the app as “the most dangerous malware” ever found in mainstream apps, exploiting about 50 Android system vulnerabilities. Most of these exploits targeted customised OEM code used by smartphone brands to customise their smartphone software.

I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s like, super expansive.

Pinduoduo Removed Exploit + Canned Hacking Team

After cybersecurity researchers started reporting about the app, Pinduoduo released version 6.50.0 on March 5, which removed the exploits they found. Two days later, Pinduoduo disbanded its Android hacking team, according to the same employee.

The hacking team members found themselves locked out of Pinduoduo’s workspace communication app, called Knock, and lost access to files on the company’s internal network, with their privileges revoked.

Most of the team was later transferred to work at Pinduoduo’s sister app, Temu. A core group of about 20 cybersecurity engineers however remain at Pinduoduo.

In addition, Sergey Toshin of Oversecured noted that while the exploits were removed in the new version of Pinduoduo, the underlying code remained and could be reactivated to carry out attacks.

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Can You Buy China Spy Balloon On Alibaba For $18?!

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Can you buy the infamous spy balloon from China on Alibaba for just RMB 118 / $18?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : You Can Buy China Spy Balloon On Alibaba For $18!

Pro-CCP netizens are trying to push the narrative that the infamous spy balloon from China is really a cheap weather balloon that anyone can buy from Alibaba!

They are sharing a screenshot of an Alibaba store on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming that you can buy the same “spy balloon” for just RMB 118 / $18!

You can buy this balloon to scare the US for 118 RMB.. warning fighter jets might be sent to shoot it down..

Truth : You Cannot Buy China Spy Balloon On Alibaba For $18!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by the Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛) or pro-CCP netizens, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Chinese Balloon Was Not A Weather Balloon

First, let us start with a basic fact – the US Air Force shot down a spy balloon from China, not a weather balloon.

Weather balloons are common – thousands are launched daily across the world to collect information on the temperature, wind and moisture in the upper atmosphere.

Weather balloons are not very large – expanding from 6 feet (1.8 metres) to 20 feet (6 metres) in diameter as they rise in altitude. Their payloads are also small, consisting of a small box with a few sensors.

The Chinese spy balloon that the US Air Force shot down was not only much larger at around 90 feet (27.5 metres) wide, it also had a very large payload that included large solar panels, and even propellers to control its movement.

Real weather balloons also do not travel far – they generally go up to a high altitude and stay there. Spy balloons, on the other hand, need to travel long distances. This Chinese balloon travelled thousands of kilometres from China to Alaska to Canada, before reaching the continental United States.

Fact #2 : RMB 118 Weather Balloon Is Small

I traced the viral photo to this Alibaba store selling latex weather balloons. As expected, the RMB 118 / $18 balloon that pro-CCP netizens were promoting is small…

The store offered four sizes, with slightly elevated prices in US dollars (it’s cheaper in Chinese Yuan):

48 inches (4 feet) : $4.80
72 inches (6 feet) : $6.40
96 inches (8 feet) : $17.80
120 inches (10 feet) : $23.60

As I pointed above, the spy balloon that flew from China all the way to the United States was about 90 feet (27.5 metres) wide. It’s roughly 729X larger than the weather balloon sold on Alibaba!

Fact #3 : Viral Photo Was Edited

The viral photo appears to have been edited, by taking a screenshot of the Alibaba store using a mobile phone, and combining it with a photo of the actual spy balloon from China.

The intent appears to make it look like they are both the same balloon, and are being sold on Alibaba for just RMB 118 / $18.

The truth is – the actual Alibaba store does not show any photos of the spy balloon from China, which has a large payload platform and solar panels.

Instead, the Alibaba store only shows this photo of a latex weather balloon being held by a man – a good indication of just how small it is, compared to the real spy balloon. The other photos in the Alibaba store shows the available balloon sizes, and how much they weigh.

Fact #4 : This Is Just Chinese Propaganda

This is just another example of Chinese propaganda created by the infamous Chinese 50 Cent Army (wumao, 五毛), or pro-CCP netizens.

All of the wumao articles and videos that I looked at so far have proven to be false… at every instance. So please watch out for such false claims.

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

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H&M Fitting Room Hidden Camera Under Investigation!

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Both H&M and the police are investigating how a hidden camera was used to record videos of people in a fitting room and then sold online!

Hidden Camera Allegedly Used To Record Videos In H&M Fitting Room!

The H&M fitting room hidden camera scandal exploded on Wednesday, 11 January 2023, after a Twitter user called Nishea (@meleisgw) exposed a private group that was allegedly selling four videos showing couples inside a fitting room.

The video footage appeared to be taken from above the fitting room by a hidden camera, and the videos allegedly showed shoppers undressing and trying on clothes, as well as couples hugging and/or engaging in sexual activities.

The four videos have now leaked, and are being sold through social media and Telegram groups for about RM20 to RM30 (US$4.50 to RM6.80) for the full set. That may seem “cheap”, but it’s because so many people have them already.

If you are thinking of buying these videos, don’t. You are more than likely to get scammed. And will you report to the police that you were cheated of money while trying to buy illegally-recorded videos of people in a fitting room?

One of the victims reached out to Nishea, and confirmed that the incident happened at the H&M store in the Avenue K mall in October 2022. The victim also said that she used the furthest most stall on the left of the fitting room.

She verified her story by showing her receipt of her clothes purchase on that day, and a photo of herself wearing the same clothes. A second victim also reached out to Nishea after that.

Both H&M and the police are now investigating the case.

H&M Fitting Room Hidden Camera Under Investigation!

After the incident erupted on social media, H&M addressed the issue, stating:

In response to recent concerns about hidden cameras in H&M fitting rooms, we have conducted an inspection of the fitting rooms in all H&M stores in Malaysia and are working to ensure that there are no security breaches that will compromise the privacy of our customers, as their safety is of utmost importance to us. All findings to date have been reported to the police, and investigations are currently ongoing.

The security manager of the Avenue K mall also lodged a police report over the matter at the Dang Wangi police station.

Assistant Police Commissioner OCPD Noor Delihan Yahya said that the police searched the H&M store but did not find any camera, and believe that the footage could have been recorded in a different location.

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is now investigating the case under Section 509 of the Penal Code for intentionally insulting the modesty of any woman by word, through sound, gesture, or object.

Here is our English translation of their press release on the matter.

On 11/01/2023 at approximately 0900hrs, one (1) 11-second video was uploaded by the owner of the Nishae Twitter account which shows the video recording from a hidden camera of the dressing room of a shopping center in the link https://twitter.com/meleisaw/status/1612094210810998785.

On 09/01/2023 at approximately 1638hrs, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Dang Wangi police headquarters, Kuala Lumpur received a police report regarding the incident. Preliminary investigations are underway to identify the date and location of the incident. The act is an offense under Section 509 of the Penal Code.

H&M Fitting Room Hidden Camera : Past Incident In China

This isn’t the first time H&M shoppers were targeted by hidden cameras in its fitting rooms.

Back in July 2017, a shopper called Chu spotted a hidden camera while changing her clothes inside a fitting room in the H&M store in Zhongshan, the south Guangdong province in China.

The camera was linked to a white plastic box behind the curtain on the other side of the door. The police later claimed that several other fitting rooms were also suspected to be fitted with hidden cameras.

However, I should point out that hidden cameras are a risk everywhere, not just in H&M fitting rooms, or any fashion outlet for the matter. It’s a risk in public toilets and even hotel rooms.

What we should learn about this is to be more aware of what’s around us in any room that is accessible to the public, even if it has a door and a lock.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

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New 10% Sales Tax On Cheap Imports In April 2023!

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The Malaysian government will implement a new 10% sales tax on cheap import, starting 1 April 2023!

Here is what you need to know about the new sales tax on low value goods that are imported into Malaysia!

New 10% Sales Tax On Cheap Imports In April 2023!

From 1 April 2023 onwards, the Royal Malaysia Customs Department (RMCD) will start collecting a new 10% sales tax on all low value goods (LVG) worth less than RM 500 that are sold online, and delivered from overseas to customers in Malaysia, except:

duty-free islands like Labuan, Langkawi, Tioman and Pangkor
designated duty-free zones in airports, etc.

The 10% sales tax will apply only on overseas low-value goods (worth less than RM 500) purchased online from 1 April 2023 onwards. It will not be imposed on delivery charges or insurance paid to import the item.

For example, if you purchase an item that costs RM 450 from an online shopping portal, with a delivery charge of RM 15.

Before 1 April 2023, you will pay only RM 465 (RM 450 for the item + RM 15 for the delivery costs).

From 1 April 2023 onwards, you will need to pay RM 510 (RM 450 for the item + RM 45 for the new 10% sales tax + RM 15 for the delivery costs).

The online shopping portal will add the new sales tax, so you are aware of the final price before purchasing the item from 1 April 2023 onwards.

Even though the sales tax does not apply to delivery charges or insurance fees, you should expect to pay close to 9%-10% extra for imported low-value goods purchased online.

It should also be noted that Malaysia implemented a 6% service tax on delivery services (except for food and beverages) in July 2022.

New 10% Sales Tax On Cheap Imports : Frequently Asked Questions!

Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the new 10% sales tax on low-value imported goods in Malaysia:

Question : When will the new 10% sales tax on imported low value goods begin?

The new 10% sales tax applies from 1 April 2023 onwards when you make payment, not on delivery of goods.

For example, if you purchase an item on 31 March 2023 and…:

pay on purchase (31 March) : you won’t have to pay the 10% sales tax, even if you eventually receive the item on April 5, 2023
pay on delivery : you will have to pay the 10% sales tax if the item is delivered on or after 1 April 2023.

Question : What goods are affected by the new 10% sales tax on imported low value goods?

The 10% sales tax applies to all low-value goods (worth less than RM500) purchased online, except:

cigarettes and other tobacco products
smoking pipes, including pipe bowls
electronic cigarettes, and similar electric vapourising devices
non-nicotine liquid or gel preparations used for vaping (e-cigarette smoking) devices
intoxicating liquor, and other imported alcohol

Question : If you are a LVG seller, must you register with the RMCD?

The Royal Malaysia Customs Department (RMCD) only requires such sellers to register with them:

sell low value goods (worth less than RM500) online,
that are delivered from overseas,
with more than RM500,000 in total sale value of low-value goods brought into Malaysia in 12 months (defined as the immediate past 12 months before registration, or the current month and the next 11 months)

The RMCD structured it this way so that only large online shops or e-commerce platforms need to register with it, to help collect the new sales tax.

If you are selling your low-value goods through an e-commerce platform like Shopee or Lazada, they will handle the sales tax on your behalf.

Question : How does the sales tax system work for sellers?

Sellers who must register with the RMCD, should do so through the MyLVG online system, using the LVG-01 form. Registration is open from 1 January 2023 onwards.

The seller is required to declare the collected sales tax to the RMCD every three months through the MyLVG system using the LVG-02 form, and pay the collected tax to the RMCD by the last day of the next month.

For example, the ABC e-commerce platform collected RM 1 million in sales tax from April to June 2023.

It must submit its LVG-02 form and pay the collected RM 1 million by 31 July 2023.

If the seller makes a mistake and overpaid the collected tax, it can apply for a refund using the LVG-03 form.

The seller can also cancel its registration using the MyLVG system, if it no longer sells low-value goods, or if the total sales value of LVG in 12 months does not exceed RM 500,000.

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Black Friday Origin : Slaves Sale After Thanksgiving?!

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Did the Black Friday shopping phenomenon start with the sale of slaves after the Thanksgiving holiday?

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the FACTS really are!

Black Friday Origins : Selling Of Slaves After Thanksgiving?

Photos of slaves being sold in the United States are circulating on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter as evidence that the term “Black Friday” originated with the practice of selling slaves after the Thanksgiving holiday.

The term “Black Friday” originated with the practice of selling off [sic] slaves on the day after Thanksgiving.

Now, do we really need to embrace this kind of torture? Or we are such foolish, that we don’t even research what is this so-called Black Friday and we become so exciting on something like this?

https://youtu.be/8wI_JI_Neo4

Truth : Black Friday Nothing To Do With Sale Of Slaves

The truth is – this is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Fact #1 : Black Friday Term Was First Used In 1950s

The earliest known use of the term Black Friday to refer to a particular day after the American Thanksgiving holiday can be traced back to the November 1951 edition of the journal, Factory Management and Maintenance, which referred to the practice of workers calling in sick on the day after Thanksgiving, to get a four-day weekend.

Around the same time (in the 1950s), Philadelphia and Rochester police were also using the terms Black Friday and Black Saturday to describe crowds and traffic congestion at the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Fact #2 : Black Friday Refers To Busiest Shopping Day In America

The term did not catch on until The New York Times referred to Black Friday as “the busiest shopping and traffic day of the year” on 29 November 1975.

It became more popular in the early 1980s, and The Philadelphia Inquirer explained Black Friday in 1981 as the day when retailers would no longer be “in the red”, and would finally start making money.

Since 2005, Black Friday has been the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States.

Fact #3 : Black Friday Had Nothing To Do With Sale Of Slaves

It may seem silly but we have to say it – the term Black Friday has nothing to do with the sale of slaves after Thanksgiving. It doesn’t even make sense!

America’s history with slaves is long and tortured, and extensively covered. Slaves were bought and sold throughout the year, and not on a particular Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Just in case you are wondering – no, there was no discount on slaves being sold right after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Note : We added the FALSE overlay to prevent the pictures from being further abused.

Fact #4 : Slavery Ended In The US In 1865

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on 1 January, 1863 – effectively making all slaves legally free.

However, it took the end of the American Civil War in 1865, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation throughout the entire United States of America.

On 6 December 1865, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the emancipation. That day is now celebrated as a national holiday in 2021 – the Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Therefore, the poster showing slaves being sold in 1904 at a Black Friday sale in America is categorically false.

Share this fact check with your friends, and help us fight fake news!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Parent Company Of Shopee Slashes Costs + Salaries!

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Sea Limited – the parent company of Shopee – appears to be in dire straits, pulling out of markets, slashing costs and salaries!

Parent Company Of Shopee Slashes Costs + Salaries!

Singapore-based Sea Limited – Shopee’s parent company – appears to be in dire straits, pulling out of markets, slashing costs and salaries!

In March 2022, Shopee shut down its France operations less than 6 months after kicking off its “European conquest” in October 2021.

Then in early September 2022, Shopee exited Argentina, and shut down its local operations in Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Sea Limited’s Garena gaming unit also laid off hundreds of employees in Shanghai.

Today (September 15, 2022), Bloomberg reported that Sea Limited’s top management staff will forgo their salaries, and the company will tighten its expenses.

In a 1,000-word internal memo to Sea Limited staff, CEO Forrest Li said that the leadership team will not take any cash compensation “until the company reaches self-sufficiency”, as well as these additional measures :

business travel is restricted to economy class flights,
travel meal expenses are limited to US$30 a day,
hotel stays for business trips are limited to US$150 a night
reimbursements for meals and entertainment bills will be removed

Sea Limited + Shopee Have Been Struggling In 2022

Li noted that Sea Limited has been struggling against rising interest rates, accelerating inflation, and a volatile market – conditions that he foresees will likely persist into the medium term.

He stressed that the company’s primary objective for the next 12-18 months will be to achieve positive cashflow as soon as possible.

With investors fleeing for ‘safe haven’ investments, we do not anticipate being able to raise funds in the market.

The only way for us to free ourselves from relying on external capital is to become self-sufficient, generating enough cash for all our own needs and projects.

Li’s comments mirrors the “tough times” concerns recently expressed by HUAWEI CEO Ren Zhengfe.

Sea Limited saw its market value soar to more than US$200 billion in October 2021, but its share prices tumbled 85%, reducing its market value to just US$27 billion.

Last month, Sea announced that its net loss in the second quarter of 2022 widened to US$931.20 million from US$433.7 million last year. Its total adjusted loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation for that quarter also jumped to US$506.3 minion from US$24.1 million.

This was despite a 29% increase in total revenue to US$2.9 billion, from US$2.3 billion in the second quarter of last year.

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Canada Internet Outage Due To Software Update, Not China!

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The country-wide mobile and Internet outage in Canada was due to a software update, not hacking by China!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : China Responsible For Mobile + Internet Outage In Canada!

Within hours of news breaking that Canada suffered a massive Internet outage, Vancouver Times posted a story claiming that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified China as the responsible party.

Vancouver Times also claimed that the RCMP will issue arrest warrants for the hackers responsible, who are connected to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Chinese state hackers are responsible for a massive internet outage that paralyzed large parts of Canada, according to the RCMP. The federal police agency is in the process of issuing arrest warrants for several people they believe are connected to the People’s Liberation Army.

The RCMP will be holding a press conference in the next few days to announce the arrest warrants, according to sources. Canadian intelligence agencies are reportedly receiving guidance from the CIA and the FBI.

On Friday a widespread network outage from Rogers left many Canadians without mobile and internet service. The outages caused significant problems for police, courthouses, passport offices and other facilities.

The outage also disrupted services across retailers, courthouses, airlines, train networks, credit card processors and police forces, pushing many to delay business transactions. Many people were seen at Starbucks, trying to use their internet service.

The mainstream media and big tech want to hide the truth. Beat them at their own game by sharing this article!

Truth : Canada Internet Outage Due To Software Update, Not China!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created by Vancouver Times to generate page views and money from gullible people.

Fact #1 : Vancouver Times Is A Fake News Website

Vancouver Times is a “content aggregator” (copy and paste) website that is known for creating fake news to generate more page views and money.

To look legitimate, they copy and paste news from legitimate news organisations. To drive traffic, they create fake news, sometimes masked as “satire”.

To give themselves a veneer of deniability, they label themselves as a “satire website” in their About Us section.

Vancouver Times is the most trusted source for satire on the West Coast. We write satirical stories about issues that affect conservatives.

Here are some of their fake news that we debunked :

Fact #2 : Outage Only Affected Rogers Communications

On Friday, July 8, 2022, Canada was hit by a massive mobile and Internet outage that hit businesses, banks, and even police emergency lines.

However, it only affected Rogers Communications, and did not affect rivals like BCE, Telus and Shaw Communications.

The outage was extensive because Rogers is Canada’s leading telecommunications provider, with about 11.3 million wireless subscribers, and 2.25 million retail Internet subscribers.

Fact #3 : RCMP Did Not Blame China For Mobile + Internet Outage

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police did not blame China for Rogers Communications’ mobile and Internet outage.

This was made up by Vancouver Times to trigger right-wing conspiracy theorists, to go viral and draw more page views.

Fact #4 : Rogers Did Not Blame China For Mobile + Internet Outage

Rogers Communications themselves did not blame China for their mobile and Internet outage.

Fact #5 : Canada Confirmed Outage Was Not A Cyberattack

While the reason behind the outage was still unknown, a spokesperson for Canadian Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino confirmed to CTV News that “the outage was not due to a cyberattack“.

Fact #6 : Rogers Confirmed Outage Due To Maintenance Update

On 11 July 2022, Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri apologised for the country-wide outage of its services.

He also said that the failure was due to “a maintenance update in our core network“. The maintenance work “caused some of our routers to malfunction early Friday morning“.

Fact #7 : Prior Rogers Outage Also Due To Software Update

This wasn’t the first time Rogers Communications’ network failed so drastically.

Just 15 months earlier – Rogers and its subsidiary, Fido, experienced a nationwide cellular service outage in April 2021.

That outage was ultimately traced to “a recent Ericsson software update” that “affected a piece of equipment in the central part” of their network, leading to “intermittent congestion impacting many customers across Canada“.

Fact #8 : It Would Have Been Considered An Act Of War

China attacking Canada’s mobile and Internet network would have been considered an act of war, if it was proven.

The Canadian government would at least have issued a strong statement, if not cut diplomatic ties with China and/or enact sanctions against the Chinese government.

Fact #9 : No One Else Reported This Story

China attacking Canada’s mobile and Internet infrastructure would have been major international news, reported across the globe.

Yet not only did no mainstream media cover this incredible story, it hasn’t even been reported in the usual conspiracy theory websites!

That’s because it was a fake story created by one publication – Vancouver Times, in their attempt to go viral again for more page views and ad money.

Fact #10 : There Is No Such Thing As A Publication Ban

Vancouver Times likes to use the “media blackout” claim, to explain why you can’t find any reputable media outlet reporting on China attacking Canada’s mobile and Internet infrastructure.

That’s utter and complete bullshit. No one – not a judge, not even the Canadian government – can control the worldwide media, or prevent anyone from writing about such an incredible story.

You can also be sure that even if the mainstream media in the Canada refused to run the story, it would have been reported by foreign media outlets, websites and blogs.

Yet, not a single foreign media outlet or online website published their account of this incredible story? That’s because IT NEVER HAPPENED…

Fact #11 : Mainstream Media + Big Tech Would Have Loved The Hype

Vancouver Times is gaslighting you about how mainstream media and Big Tech want to hide the “truth” about China attacking Canada’s infrastructure.

They would all loved such shocking news, because it would have driven tons of traffic and engagement to their websites / platforms.

In fact, that was precisely why Vancouver Times created the fake story – to drive traffic, for the ad money.

Everything that Vancouver Times publishes should be regarded as FAKE NEWS, until proven otherwise.

Please help us fight fake news websites like Vancouver Times – SHARE this fact check out, and SUPPORT our work!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Palm Cooking Oil Price In Malaysia Shoots Up By 44%!

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Palm cooking oil in Malaysia shot up by 44% on the first day price control was lifted! Here is what you need to know…

No More Price Control For Palm Cooking Oil!

On 21 June 2022, the Malaysian government announced that price control for palm cooking oil would be removed starting 1 July 2022.

Since 1 August 2021, palm cooking oil was subsidised with the price fixed at :

5 kg palm cooking oil : RM 29.70 per bottle
3 kg palm cooking oil : RM 18.70 per bottle
2 kg palm cooking oil : RM 12.70 per bottle
1 kg palm cooking oil : RM 6.70 per bottle

While Malaysians were hoping that the government would U-turn on the price control of palm cooking oil like it did for chicken, that didn’t happen.

Palm Cooking Oil Price In Malaysia Shoots Up By 44%!

On 1 July 2022, Malaysians finally realised how much palm oil prices have gone up since the price control and subsidy scheme was put in place last year.

Depending on the brand and bottle size, palm cooking oil prices have shot up between 38% and 44%.

Brand	Bottle Size	Old Price	New Price	Difference
Alif	1 kg	RM 6.70	RM 9.50	+42%
Buruh	1 kg	RM 6.70	RM 9.45	+41%
Saji	1 kg	RM 6.70	RM 9.50	+42%
Seri Murni	1 kg	RM 6.70	RM 9.25	+38%
Vesawit	1 kg	RM 6.70	RM 9.40	+40%
Alif	2 kg	RM 12.70	RM 18.05	+42%
Buruh	2 kg	RM 12.70	RM 18.15	+43%
Saji	2 kg	RM 12.70	RM 17.90	+41%
Seri Murni	2 kg	RM 12.70	RM 18.10	+43%
Vesawit	2 kg	RM 12.70	RM 18.25	+44%
Buruh	3 kg	RM 18.70	RM 26.95	+44%
Vesawit	3 kg	RM 18.70	RM 26.65	+43%
Alif	5 kg	RM 29.70	RM 42.50	+43%
Buruh	5 kg	RM 29.70	RM 42.60	+43%
Saji	5 kg	RM 29.70	RM 42.20	+42%
Seri Murni	5 kg	RM 29.70	RM 42.70	+44%
Vesawit	5 kg	RM 29.70	RM 42.25	+42%

However, the government is maintaining the subsidy for cooking oil sold in 1 kg polybag packages, which will remain priced at RM 2.50 per packet.

The abolishment of the palm cooking oil subsidy would save the government about RM 20 million a month.

On social media, Malaysians are generally resigned to the fact that they will have to put up with increased food prices going forward. Some have suggested buying an air fryer, or boiling / steaming food, to cut down on the use of oil.

Looking at the bright side of things – perhaps, this will spur Malaysians to adopt a healthier diet with less fried foods!

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Malaysia Cancels Chicken Price Float, Maintains Water + Power Rates!

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The Prime Minister of Malaysia just cancelled the floating of chicken price, and maintained water and electricity power rates!

Here is what you need to know…

Earlier : Malaysia Removes Price Control + Subsidy For Chicken!

On 21 June 2022, Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, announced that price control for chicken and chicken eggs, as well as subsidies for palm oil used for cooking will be removed.

From 1 July 2022 onwards, the price of chicken was supposed to be floated, and would depend on market forces. The price of chicken was expected to increase from RM8.90 per kg currently, to about RM11.90 per kg, once its price was floated.

The government needed to remove the price control on chickens because they would stop giving subsidies to poultry farmers on 1 July 2022 as well.

Now : Malaysia Cancels Chicken Price Float, Maintains Water + Power Rates!

Just 3 days later, the Prime Minister of Malaysia announced a U-turn on removing price control on chickens.

At 5:45 PM on 24 June 2022, the Prime Minister of Malaysia Ismail Sabri announced that the government has cancelled the floating of chicken price, and will continue to impose a price ceiling.

However, this does not mean the chicken price will remain at its current ceiling prices of :

Standard whole chicken : RM 8.90 per kg
Super whole chicken (without legs, head, liver and gizzard) : RM 9.90 per kg

According to his official statement, the government will announce the new ceiling price for chicken later.

He also announced that the government has decided to maintain the current water and electricity tariffs in Peninsular Malaysia, by continuing to provide subsidies worth approximately RM 5.8 billion.

Domestic users : A rebate of 2 sen per kW-hour will be maintained, with no surcharge.
Commercial and industrial users : A surcharge of 3.70 sen per kW-hour will be maintained.

This is good news for domestic users, but not so good news for commercial and industrial users who have to put up with the surcharge.

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Malaysia To Give RM100 / RM50 Subsidy To B40 Group!

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The government of Malaysia just announced that it will give RM100 / RM50 subsidy to the B40 group to cope with the increased cost of living!

Here is what you need to know…

Malaysia Removes Price Control, Subsidy For Chicken, Eggs, Cooking Oil!

There was an immediate uproar from consumers, as it would mean additional increases in food prices, that have already shot up in recent weeks.

Malaysia To Give RM100 / RM50 Subsidy To B40 Group!

To assuage the concerns of many citizens who are struggling to make ends meet in a time of high inflation, the Prime Minister of Malaysia Ismail Sabri today announced that the government will give a small one-time subsidy to the B40 group :

B40 families will receive RM100 (about US$22.70)
B40 individuals will receive RM50 (about US$11.35)

This small cost-of-living subsidy is meant to help the B40 group cope with the increased food prices.

It will be paid to their accounts together with Phase 2 of Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia (BKM) programme for the B40 group.

For example, if you are a B40 senior citizen who is supposed to receive RM150 in Phase 2 of BKM, you will now receive RM200 = RM150 (BKM) + RM50 (additional cost of living subsidy).

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New Taxes On Small Online Purchases + Delivery In Malaysia!

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There will soon be new taxes on small online purchases and delivery in Malaysia! Here is what you need to know…

New Taxes On Small Online Purchases + Delivery In Malaysia!

There will be soon new taxes on low-value purchases from overseas, and delivery services in Malaysia!

These taxes were announced in Budget 2022, but you may not be aware of it.

6% Service Tax On Delivery Services

From 1 July 2022 onwards, delivery services are subject to 6% service tax, for delivering goods other than food and beverages, and logistics delivery services.

This 6% service tax applies to e-commerce platforms as well, so expect the cost to be passed to you – the customer.

10% Sales Tax On Low Value Imports

Currently, goods imported from overseas that are delivered via courier services through specific international airports in Malaysia are not subject to the 10% sales. tax, if the value of each consignment (parcel) does not exceed RM 500.

Budget 2022 removed that exemption, which means all imported goods will be taxed, regardless of value.

From 1 January 2023 onwards, online sellers of low value imported goods delivered by air courier worth less than RM 500 per consignment must charge their customers a 10% sales tax. Otherwise, the purchaser will be subject to an import tax.

This sales tax applies to both local and foreign merchants. But the government has yet to reveal the mechanism by which foreign merchants will register, process and forward the collected sales tax.

Why New Taxes On Small Online Purchases + Delivery?!

Taxing low cost value goods purchased overseas is a way to level the playing field between local and foreign manufacturers.

Malaysian products are already subject to a 5% or 10% sales tax, which places them at a disadvantage when competing with low value imports that are currently tax-free.

That’s why many countries like Australia and New Zealand implement similar taxes, to align with local sales tax.

Even Singapore will be implementing a 7% GST on low value goods (LVG) from 1 January 2023 onwards, increasing it to 9% by 2025.

This sales tax on imported LVG will no doubt raise revenue for the government, but it is inline with what other countries are implementing to level the playing field, and encourage purchases of local products.

The 10% sales tax may seem high, but it does not apply to low value goods imported via sea or land.

This sales tax will not affect the RM1,000 exemption for travellers bringing in goods purchased overseas through the seven designated international airports in Malaysia.

The 6% service tax on delivery services is a new revenue stream for the government, although they have exempted food and beverage deliveries, as well as logistics deliveries.

Whatever the reasons are – expect to pay more for your online purchases!

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Malaysia Removes Price Control, Subsidy For Chicken, Eggs, Cooking Oil!

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Malaysia is removing price control for chicken and chicken eggs, as well as the subsidy for palm oil used for cooking!

Here is what you need to know…

Malaysia Removes Price Control, Subsidy For Chicken, Eggs, Cooking Oil!

Currently, the Malaysian government imposes the current maximum retail price for chicken and palm oil used for cooking in Peninsular Malaysia.

Standard whole chicken : RM 8.90 per kg
Super whole chicken (without legs, head, liver and gizzard) : RM 9.90 per kg
5 kg palm cooking oil : RM 29.70 per bottle
3 kg palm cooking oil : RM 18.70 per bottle
2 kg palm cooking oil : RM 12.70 per bottle
1 kg palm cooking oil : RM 6.70 per bottle

From 1 July 2022 onwards, the price of chicken will be floated, and will depend on market forces; and the subsidy and price limit on bottled palm cooking oil of 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and 5 kg will be abolished.

The abolishment of the palm cooking oil subsidy will save the government about RM 20 million a month. However, they will maintain the subsidy for cooking oil sold in 1 kg polybag packages, priced at RM 2.50 per packet.

The government needed to remove the price control on chickens, because they would stop giving subsidies to poultry farmers on 1 July 2022 as well.

The inflation of food prices will inevitably increase in July, so please be prepared!

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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National Recovery Plan Phase 4 SOP : 7 March Edition!

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Here is the latest SOP for Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) for Malaysia!

Please SHARE this out, so your friends are updated on the latest Phase 2 SOP as well!

For Phase 1 SOP, please see PPN 1 SOP : 16 August 2021 Edition!
For Phase 2 SOP, please see PPN 2 SOP : 11 October Edition!
For Phase 3 SOP, please see PPN 3 SOP : 7 November Edition!

National Recovery Plan Phase 4 SOP : Where Does It Apply?

This Phase 4 SOP currently applies to Labuan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Melaka, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Terengganu, Johor, Perlis, Perak, Penang, Sabah and Kedah, Sarawak and Kelantan.

National Recovery Plan Phase 4 SOP : 7 March Edition!

This is the latest National Recovery Plan Phase 4 SOP that was released on 7 March 2022.

Fully Vaccinated Definition

Under this SOP, you are only considered fully-vaccinated if you meet these requirements :

For vaccines that require two doses (like the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Moderna or Sinopharm vaccines), the individual must exceed 14 days after receiving the second dose.
For vaccines that require only one dose (like the Johnson & Johnson and CanSino vaccines), the individual must exceed 28 days after receiving the second dose.

Individuals are considered to have received their booster dose as soon as they receive their booster dose. New!

For individuals who cannot be vaccinated on medical reasons, they must produce a medical report that has been verified by a registered medical practitioner.

Overseas Travellers In Phase 4 Areas

Travellers must download and active the MySejahtera app before travelling to Malaysia. They must click on the Traveller icon in the app, and fill in the Pre-Departure Form while overseas. New!
Necessary (travel) information required as evidence must either be uploaded into MySejahtera, or brought with you, for reference. New!
Malaysian citizens or foreigners who have homes in Malaysia (including PR and Malaysia My Second Home participants) arriving from overseas, are ALLOWED to undergo mandatory quarantine at home if they are fully vaccinated, on accepting a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) subject to these conditions:
– Show proof of a valid negative RT-PCR test taken within 2 days prior to departure.
– Have a valid and complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate (depending on the type of vaccine).
– Have no symptoms during the health screening conducted at the International entry point.
– Travellers must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR screening test on arrival in Malaysia. New!
– Have suitable accommodations to undergo quarantine.
The mandatory quarantine for overseas travellers is: Updated!
– 5 days at home (if appropriate) or a quarantine station, for those who received a booster dose, or
– 7 days at home (if appropriate) or a quarantine station, for those who are fully-vaccinated without a booster dose, or
– 10 days at a quarantine station, for those who are unvaccinated, or have incomplete vaccination.
Travellers must perform self-assessment every day through the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) in the MySejahtera app until the end of his/her quarantine (whether it’s 5, 7 or 10 days after arrival). New!
Travellers do not need to undergo COVID-19 screening tests every day AND to be cleared from quarantine. New!
However, travellers must take an RTK-Ag self-test if they become symptomatic. If the test result is positive, the traveller must continue the quarantine and monitor his/her health status through the HAT every day. If the symptoms become worse, you must seek treatment at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) or a private health facility. New!
Travellers are cleared from their quarantine on the 5th, 7th or 10th day of quarantine, based on their vaccination status. New!
Children below 18 years of age travelling with parents or guardians will follow their quarantine periods. New!

Monitoring For Close Contacts

Individuals who received a booster dose and are not symptomatic, do not need to undergo quarantine. However, they must perform an RTK-Ag self-test on the 1st and 3rd day from the last date of exposure to the COVID-19 positive case. New!
Individuals who received a booster dose but are symptomatic, must undergo a 5-day quarantine at home and perform an RTK-Ag self-test. New!
5 day home quarantine for fully-vaccinated individuals without booster dose (with or without symptoms). Perform RTK-Ag self-test when symptomatic. Updated!
5 day home quarantine for unvaccinated / incomplete vaccinated individuals (with or without symptoms). Perform RTK-Ag self-test when symptomatic. Updated!
Individuals will receive a digital Home Surveillance Order. The digital HSO can be screen-printed and employers must accept the digital HSO as proof that the individual must undergo isolation / quarantine. New!

General Health Protocol In Phase 4 Areas

Licence holders and premise owners are REQUIRED to provide MySejahtera QR code at the door / entry points of shopping malls, supermarkets. wholesale markets, wet markets and night markets. Shops or kiosks inside shopping malls, wholesale markets, wet markets and night markets do NOT need to provide MySejahtera QR codes. Updated!
Hand sanitiser must be provided at the entrance, and customers must use it before entering.
The use of MySejahtera is mandatory. The use of logbook is only allowed in areas with no Internet connectivity, or other reasonable excuse (senior citizens, no smartphone, etc.). Updated!
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers and workers check in using MySejahtera. or the manual logbook if there’s no Internet connectivity.
Employers, employees, customers and visitors are required to check in using MySejahtera or write their names and phone numbers legibly in the logbook (if there is no Internet connectivity) before entering government / private premises. Offices within those buildings do NOT need to provide a MySejahtera QR code. Updated!
Symptomatic individuals are NOT ALLOWED to enter premises.
Malls and premise owners must ensure that only customers with Low Risk including Casual Contact Low Risk in MySejahtera are allowed to enter. Updated!
COVID-19 vaccination card can be used to show vaccination status in case there is no MySejahtera.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers must maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre at any time. Updated
It is MANDATORY for employees, suppliers and customers to properly wear face masks while within the premise.
There must be good ventilation at the premise according to ventilation and indoor air quality guidelines issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP).
Must comply with the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy.
It is MANDATORY to wear a face mask, especially in public areas, EXCEPT in these places or situations :
a) hotel room or paid accommodation, alone or with your own family
b) Personal working space
c) Sports and recreational activities
d) Personal vehicle, alone or with your own family
e) Indoor or outdoor public areas, when there are no other individuals
f) While eating or drinking in public areas (except in restaurants or other food & beverage premises) Updated!

Education Sector In Phase 4 Areas New!

Hand sanitiser must be provided in appropriate areas, and everyone must use it.
All teachers, executive staff, support staff and visitors must scan the QR code using the MySejahtera app before entering education premises under the Ministry of Education (KPM).
Only teachers, executive staff, support staff and visitors with “Low Risk” status in MySejahtera, as well as confirmation of a digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, are allowed to enter education premises under KPM.
Parents / guardians must ensure that their children / wards are not symptomatic before sending them to school.
Symptomatic students or those who have COVID-19 positive family members staying in the same house (close contact) are NOT allowed to attend school.
Symptomatic students in schools must be isolated in isolation rooms for further action.

Travel Restrictions In Phase 4 Areas

Interstate travel is only ALLOWED for FULLY-VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS, by showing their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or vaccination card with ID card or passport for verification.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed to bring children 12 years and younger, subject to general health protocols.
Interstate travel is FORBIDDEN in Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO / PKPD) areas.
Interstate travel by workers are subject to worker’s pass or employer’s confirmation letter.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated may travel for funeral and emergencies, after getting permission from the police.
All vehicles, whether driven by individuals, for transportation of goods or public transport, are allowed to travel at full capacity.
Activities and services at all airports and ports are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours.

Civil Service

100% attendance capacity is allowed
Civil service is subject to the current orders by the Secretary to the Government of Malaysia.
Must follow the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.

Meetings

Face-to-face meetings and interviews are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals, at full venue capacity with physical distancing.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must undergo a pre-event test using a (saliva) self-test kit witnessed by the event organiser or with confirmation from a medical practitioner, before attending a face-to-face meeting; or conduct the meeting via video conferencing.
It is encouraged to conduct meetings through video conferencing.

Seminars, Trainings + MICE

Seminars, workshops, courses, trainings and talks including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) are allowed for fully-vaccinated individuals, at full venue capacity with physical distancing.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated must undergo a pre-event test using a (saliva) self-test kit, or have confirmation from a medical practitioner before attending.
Undergo COVID-19 screening test in line with the National COVID-19 Screening Strategy.

Government + Private Events

Official events by the government or private sector are allowed for fully-vaccinated individuals, at full venue capacity but with physical distancing.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated must undergo a pre-event test using a (saliva) self-test kit, or have confirmation from a medical practitioner before attending.
It is encouraged to undergo a COVID-19 screening test in line with the National COVID-19 Screening Strategy.

Social Activities In Phase 4 Areas New!

Social events like feasts, religious festivals, engagement parties, weddings, receptions, aqiqah ceremonies, tahlil, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, retreats and other social events are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals at 50% capacity with physical distance of 1 meter.
Attendees, organisers and staff must wear face masks at all times, except when eating and drinking.
Avoid 3C (Crowded, Closed and Chatting), and always perform the 3W (Wash, Wear, Warn).
Fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed to bring children 12 years or younger, while following general health protocol.
It is encouraged to undergo a COVID-19 screening test in line with the National COVID-19 Screening Strategy.

Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Plantation and Commodities

All of these activities, and their supply chain, are allowed to operate according to their licences, except those mentioned in the Negative List.
Must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.

Manufacturing, Construction, Mining and Quarrying

Manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying activities are ALLOWED, according to these fully vaccinated rates :
a) 80% to 100% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
b) Less than 80% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity only
Must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.

Trade + Distribution

Trade and distribution sectors, including business and service activities, are allowed to operate according to the licences.

Businesses Open Only To Fully Vaccinated Customers

These businesses can only serve fully-vaccinated customers :
1. Photographic equipment and photography shop
2. Preloved (second hand) shop
3. Flower and nursery shop
4. Handicraft and souvenir shop
5. Antique shop
6. Games shop
7. Carpet shop
8. Creative content and equipment shop
9. Outdoor equipment (including camping, fishing and other equipment)
10. Cosmetics, skincare and perfume
11. Tobacco shop (including vape and electronic cigarette)
12. House and kitchen appliance shop
13. Furniture shop
14. Sporting goods shop
15. Car accessories shop
16. Car sales and distribution
17. Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
18. Jewellery shop
19. Barber shop
20. Beauty salon / center
21. House show room
Premise owners must ensure that customers who wish to enter MUST show their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, to prove that they are fully-vaccinated.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children who are 12 years old or younger to these premises.

Dine-In In Phase 4 Areas

Restaurant operators, including hotels, sports and recreational club houses, food shops, food stalls, food trucks, roadside hawkers, food courts, food carts, and food kiosks are ALLOWED to offer dine-in services, subject to these conditions :
– only accept customers who are fully-vaccinated, and not symptomatic.
– premise owners MUST display a notice at the entrance stating that only fully-vaccinated customers who are asymptomatic are allowed in
– only workers who are fully-vaccinated and asymptomatic are allowed to work
– premise owners must arrange the tables with physical distancing, and ensure the premise has good ventilation.
– dine-in is allowed with a physical distance of at least 1 metre.
Individuals who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 12 years or younger to dine-in.

Markets

All markets, except night market and weekend market, are allowed to operate according to their licence or permit subject to the local authority (PBT) with SOP compliance and monitoring by RELA or PBT.
Wholesale markets are ALLOWED to open according to their licensed time, subject to the full vaccination of all employees, complying with the SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision.
Night market and weekend market are allowed to operate, subject to customers proving that they are fully-vaccinated by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card.

Spa, Wellness Centre and Health Massage

Spa, wellness and massage parlours are ALLOWED to operate, on the condition that both customers and operators are fully-vaccinated.
Employees and customers must be fully-vaccinated, not COVID-19 positive and not close contacts to positive cases, and not symptomatic.
Walk-in is not allowed. Only customers with prior appointments are allowed.
Employees must wear disposable gloves, face mask and face shield while at work.
Employees must replace their disposable gloves, liners for the bed or mattress or chair, and clean all equipment including face shield before attending to each customer.
The ventilation system must be maintained according to schedule.
MOTAC will monitor these conditions :
– spa operators must declare how many employees are fully-vaccinated to MOTAC before they are allowed to operate
– SOP Self-Compliance Program, especially ventilation within the premise.
– MOTAC will monitor compliance by conducting periodical spot checks
– COVID-19 screening test of symptomatic employees

Education In Phase 4 Areas

Industrial training and skills training centres, including vocational college, TVET and so on are allowed to operate.
All schools and skill training institutes other than those under KPM, tahfiz centre and other educational institutes are subject to their relevant Ministry or Agency.
All institutes of higher learning will be open in stages to students who are fully-vaccinated.
Skills and industrial training sector, including vocational college, schools not under KPM, tahfiz centres, and other education institutes and all institutes of higher education must comply with the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.
All face-to-face and group learning are allowed at institutes of higher education for students have been fully-vaccinated, subject to strict SOP. Hybrid learning will be implemented for on-campus students. Online learning will continue for students who have not returned to campus.
International and professional exams, as well as research activities requiring lab access in tertiary education facilities are ALLOWED.
Students in boarding schools or universities are ALLOWED to continue hybrid studies.
Daycare and childcare facilities under the Welfare Department (JKM) are allowed to operate.
Private and public kindergartens, kindergartens in private, international and expatriate schools and mind development centres are ALLOWED to operate.
Home care or rehabilitation centres of children, the disabled (OKU), senior citizens, women and other care facilities are allowed to operate, subject to the SOP.
The operators and employees of these kindergarten, childcare and care facilities must be fully-vaccinated.
Kindergartens, childcare facilities, day care centres and similar care facilities must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.

Religion In Phase 4 Areas

Prayer activities are ALLOWED for individuals who are fully-vaccinated, subject to the rules and SOP of the state Islamic religious authority.
It is encouraged to undergo a COVID-19 screening test before undertaking prayer activities in line with the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.
Islamic wedding ceremony (akad nikah) is ALLOWED only in the Islamic Religious Office / Department with the attendance capacity set by the State Religious Authority.
Prayer activities are ALLOWED for individuals who are fully-vaccinated, subject to the rules and SOP of the Ministry of National Unity (KPN).
Non-Muslim marriage registrations are allowed at the National Registration Department (JPN), houses of worship and religious associations, subject to limits set by JPN.
Burial activities are allowed according to limits set by the State Religion Authority (Islam) or the National Unity Ministry (Non-Muslim).

Sports + Recreation In Phase 4 Areas

All sports and recreational activities involving physical touch in outdoor areas are LIMITED to fully-vaccinated individuals. New!
All sports and recreational activities (with or without physical touch, performed individually or in groups) in indoor areas are LIMITED to fully-vaccinated individuals. New!
The operation of both OUTDOOR and INDOOR sports and recreational facilities are allowed at 100% capacity, with operation hours subject to licence, but limited to fully-vaccinated individuals. Children under 12 years of age who are not fully-vaccinated can undertake activities under supervision of fully-vaccinated parents / guardians / coach / instructor. New!
Group sports and recreational activities (with or without physical touch) under supervision are limited to the area capacity, and must not exceed 1,000 people at any one time (whichever is lower). Children under 12 years of age who are not fully-vaccinated can undertake activities under supervision of fully-vaccinated parents / guardians / coach / instructor. New!
All competitions or championships of sports (with or without physical touch, whether local or International), must have PERMISSION from the Sports Commission Office, and are limited to 1,000 participants at any one time for sports like triathlon, open water swimming, marathon, trail run, obstacle run and so on.
Spectator / supporter presence at sports and recreational venues are limited to 50% of capacity or 20,000 people (whichever is lower), and limited to fully-vaccinated individuals including their fully-vaccinated children. However, children below 12 years of age who are not fully-vaccinated are NOT allowed to enter.
The entry of foreign athlete, coach, official, technical help to Malaysia are subject to the rules governing entry of foreigners into Malaysia.
Everyone must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.
Individuals who are not fully-vaccinated or unvaccinated are restricted to individual sports and recreational activities that do not involve touch, with physical distance of at least 1-3 metres performed outdoors.

Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing, including at fishing ponds, is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals.

Picnic + Camping

Picnic and camping are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals.
Fully vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children 12 years and younger for such activities, subject to strict SOP.

Creative Industry + Entertainment

All creative industry practitioners who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to resume these activities :
– development and broadcast of recorded or live-streamed creative content
– broadcast or livestream of information and entertainment
– in-studio or outdoor filming
– busking
– lounge hotel performances
– live performances like theatre, musical, music and comedy (pre-registered)
– cinema activities
Everyone must comply with the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.

Tourism + Culture In Phase 4 Areas

Tourism and cultural activities are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals, subject to physical distancing and venue capacity.
– tourism attractions like beach activities, water sports, snorkelling, scuba diving, sports fishing, edutainment centre, recreational park, extreme park, adventure park, nature park, farm, aquarium, zoo and so on.
– special interest activities like golfing, scuba diving, cycling, angling, yachting and so on.
– ecotourism activities like bird watching, caving, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, jungle trekking, camping and so on.
– art, culture and heritage premises like museum, library, art gallery, art and cultural village, cultural shows and so on.
– theme park and family entertainment centre
– academic premises like science centre, planetarium and Petrosains.
– tourism and cultural events.
It is encouraged to undergo a COVID-19 screening test when conducting these activities.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 12 years or younger, subject to general health protocols.
Interstate tourism is allowed for fully vaccinated individuals, except to EMCO (PKPD) areas or any areas restricted by the government.
Licensed and registered hotel and homestay are allowed for fully-vaccinated individuals.
All other tourism and cultural activities, other than those specified in the Negative List, are allowed.

Cruise Ship

Cruise ships are ALLOWED to operate at 50% capacity, on the condition that all crew members and passengers are fully-vaccinated.
Pub and night club activities onboard are FORBIDDEN.
Must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines.

Driving Lessons New!

Driving schools are ALLOWED to operate, on the condition that employees, teachers and candidates are fully-vaccinated, with digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card as evidence.
Only fully-vaccinated employees who are not symptomatic can work.

National Recovery Plan Phase 4 SOP : NEGATIVE LIST

These activities are FORBIDDEN using the National Recovery Plan Recovery Phase 4 SOP.

Night club or pub activities
Local tourism involving foreign tourists entering Malaysia, except those involving International Tourism Bubble. Updated!
Sports and recreational activities exceeding the allowed capacity.
Championships, competitions, and matches without Sports Commission Office permission.
Any activity that involves many people gathering in one place until it is hard to maintain physical distancing, and compliance with the Director General of Health’s orders.
Any other matter that may be decided by the Government from time to time.

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Scam Alert : Drip Ear Health For Tinnitus + Deafness!

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You may have seen the advertisements for Drip Ear Health, promising to cure tinnitus and deafness.

Please be warned that it is just a SCAM, and here are the reasons why…

Scam Alert : Drip Ear Health For Tinnitus + Deafness!

You may have seen the advertisements for Drip Ear Health, which claims to be a cure for tinnitus and deafness that has been endorsed by ENT specialists.

Take a look at some of the claims… which appear to have been translated from the original Chinese language using Google Translate.

Recently, a magical secret recipe “Drip Ear Health” has been spread wildly on the Internet. I heard that the treatment effect is very significant and will not cause any impact. Highly recommends it!

Communicate normally, tinnitus and deafness can be saved, the symptoms such as ear swelling, tinnitus, and noise disappear within 7 days, and the ear nerves can be repaired in 1 month, so that you can hear clearly without wearing a hearing aid, and your hearing returns to normal.

As long as you insist on using it, no matter how many years of neurological, senile, drug-induced, mixed deafness and tinnitus, you can quickly get cured, and recover from ear diseases!

Why Drip Ear Health Is Just A Scam!

Drip Ear Health is yet another Internet health scam, like the Ziverdo Kit for COVID-19, and the Herbal Visual Tea for Glaucoma or Cataract, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Featured Doctors NOT Involved With Scam

The scammers creates localised versions of the advertisement page, featuring local doctors who appear to be endorsing their Drip Ear Health product.

In our example, they featured Dr. Muthu Kumar Murugesan and Dr. Puvan Arul a/l Arumugam.

On 3 November 2021, Dr. Muthu Kumar denounced the advertisement as fake news.

This fake news has been circulating. We are not only fighting against the Covid-19 virus but the increased occurrence of fake news.

Dr. Puvan Arul is not active on Facebook, but the scammers misappropriated his photo from 10 February 2020.

Fact #2 : Drip Ear Health Is Just Ear Wax Wash

Drip Ear Health are actually Chinese TCM ear drops from 久木堂 (Jiumutang) meant to relieve itchy ears and soften or wash out ear wax.

It contains herbs like Coptis chinensis, Radix sophorae flavescentis, Borneol, Golden cypress, mint and Folium artemisia argyi.

Sounds fancy, but they are common herbs used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) – none of which can cure tinnitus or deafness.

Fact #3 : Drip Ear Health Price Is A Scam!

The scammers are selling Drip Ear Health ear drops at absurd prices :

2 bottles for RM190 (about US$45 / £33.50 / A$63 / S$61.50)
4 bottles for RM263 (about US$62 / £46.50 / A$87 / S$85)
6 bottles for RM278 (about US$65.50 / £49 / A$92.50 / S$90)

The price tiers are designed to “force” you to purchase the 6 bottle deal. You may feel like you got a great deal, but you just got scammed.

The Drip Ear Health is sold in Taobao – the Chinese version of Amazon – for just 25 yuan, approximately RM16 / S$5 / A$5.50 / US$4 / £3.

If you fell for it, you were just scammed into paying 3X to 6X more for bottles of expensive Chinese TCM ear drops that won’t cure tinnitus or deafness.

Please STAY CLEAR of Drip Ear Health, and SHARE this fact check with your friends!

If these ear drops work, their creators would have won the Nobel Prize for Medicine, and become BILLIONAIRES.

They wouldn’t need to sell you their ear drops on Internet websites.

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP : 7 November Edition!

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Here is the latest SOP for Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) for Malaysia!

Please SHARE this out, so your friends are updated on the latest Phase 3 SOP as well!

For Phase 1 SOP, please see PPN 1 SOP : 25 August 2021 Edition!
For Phase 2 SOP, please see PPN 2 SOP : 11 October Edition!
For Phase 4 SOP, please see PPN 4 SOP : 7 November Edition!

National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP : Where Does It Apply?

This Phase 3 SOP currently applies to Sarawak and Kelantan.

National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP : 11 October Video!

This video shows the latest National Recovery Plan SOP slides (11 October 2021) for Phase 3, followed by our English translation.

Note : We are still working on the 7 November video, which will be posted shortly…

National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP : 7 November Edition!

This is the new National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP that was released on 7 November 2021.

Fully Vaccinated Definition

Under this SOP, you are only considered fully-vaccinated if you meet these requirements :

For vaccines that require two doses (like the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines), the individual must exceed 14 days after receiving the second dose.
For vaccines that require only one dose (like the Johnson & Johnson and CanSino vaccines), the individual must exceed 28 days after receiving the second dose.

For individuals who cannot be vaccinated on medical reasons, they must produce a medical report that has been verified by a registered medical practitioner.

General Health Protocol In Phase 3 Areas

Licence holders and premise owners must provide MySejahtera QR code and a manual logbook to register customers.
Hand sanitiser must be provided at the entrance, and customers must use it before entering.
The use of MySejahtera is mandatory is areas with good Internet connectivity. The use of logbook is only allowed in areas with no Internet connectivity, or other reasonable excuse.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers and workers check in using MySejahtera. or the manual logbook if there’s no Internet connectivity.
Employers, employees, customers and visitors are required to check in using MySejahtera or write their names and phone numbers legibly in the logbook (if there is no Internet connectivity).
In shopping malls, customers only need to scan their body temperatures ONCE at the mall entry point. It is not necessary to scan their body temperature at every premise in the mall.
Those with body temperatures exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius are NOT ALLOWED to enter.
Malls and premise owners must ensure that only customers with Low Risk or Casual Contact Low Risk in MySejahtera are allowed to enter.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers must maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre entering or leaving their premises.
Individuals 18 years or younger are not encouraged to be in public places and facilities.
Premise owners and business licence holders must restrict the number of customers within their premises to ensure at least 1 metre physical distancing.
Every premise must publicly display the limit of customers allowed inside at any one time. The use of a numbered queue system is encouraged to control the number of customers.
All building owners must provide QR Codes for each floor / level.
It is MANDATORY for employees, suppliers and customers to properly wear face masks while within the premise.
There must be good VENTILATION at the premise according to ventilation and indoor air quality guidelines issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP).
It is MANDATORY to wear a face mask, especially in crowded public areas, EXCEPT in these places or situations :
a) hotel room or paid accommodation, alone or with your own family
b) Personal working space
c) Sporting activities and outdoor recreation
d) Personal vehicle, alone or with your own family
e) Indoor or outdoor public areas, when there are no other individuals
f) While eating or drinking in public areas, when there are no other individuals (except in restaurants or other food & beverage premises)

Benefits For Fully Vaccinated People In Phase 3 Areas

Interstate Travel

Interstate travel is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals by showing the digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, and identity card / passport as evidence.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children 18 years and below, subject to public health protocols.
It is encouraged to undergo a COVID-19 screening test when conducting these activities. New!

Overseas Travellers

Malaysian citizens or foreigners who have homes in Malaysia (including PR and Malaysia My Second Home participants) arriving from overseas, are ALLOWED to undergo mandatory quarantine at home if they are fully vaccinated, on accepting a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) subject to these conditions:
– Show proof of a valid negative RT-PCR test taken within 3 days of departure
– Have a valid and complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate (depending on the type of vaccine).
– Have no symptoms during the health screening conducted at the International entry point.
– Have suitable accommodations to undergo quarantine
Individuals who arrive from overseas and are not fully vaccinated, or have not been vaccinated, must undergo mandatory quarantine in a KKM-approved quarantine centre.
The mandatory quarantine for overseas travellers is 7 days at home (if appropriate) or quarantine station for fully-vaccinated individuals, and 10 days in a quarantine station for individuals who are not fully-vaccinated.
Travellers must conduct a self-assessment using the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) in the MySejahtera app, every day until the end of the quarantine period (7 or 10 days after arrival).
Travellers must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR screening test on arrival.

Monitoring For Close Contacts

7 day home quarantine for fully-vaccinated individuals.
10 day home quarantine for individuals who are not fully-vaccinated.

Test & Release (R&T) Protocol

The pilot program for the test & release (T&R) protocol is limited to this group of low-risk travellers arriving from overseas, with strict travel plans / itinerary for official visits :
a) National figure
b) Minister
c) Deputy Minister
d) Chief Minister
e) State EXCO member
f) Members of Parliament
g) Government official
The requirements for this programme include :
– submitting an application with supporting documents to MKN and KKM for approval
– undergoing a PCR test 3 days before returning to Malaysia
– undergoing a PCR test on arrival in Malaysia

Dine-In

Restaurant operator including in hotel, sports and recreational club house, food establishment, food stall, food truck, roadside vendor, mobile vendor, food court, hawker centre, and food kiosk are ALLOWED to provide dine-in services, subject to these conditions :
– Only accept fully-vaccinated customers who are not symptomatic.
– Premise owners MUST display a notice on accepting fully-vaccinated customers who are not symptomatic at the entrance.
– Only employees who are fully-vaccinated and not symptomatic are allowed to work.
– Premise owners must arrange the tablets to ensure physical distance, and the premise must have good ventilation.
– Dine-in activities with physical distancing of at least 1 meter is subject to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) SOP for Phase 3.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children 18 years or younger to dine-in at these premises, while complying with general health protocols.

Sports + Recreation

All sports and recreational activities with physical contact performed OUTDOORS are LIMITED to individuals who are fully-vaccinated, from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
All OUTDOOR sports and recreational facilities are ALLOWED to operate with activities that require physical touch for fully-vaccinated individuals and their children who are under 18 years old of age, subject to strict SOP. Worker capacity (both management and operations) cannot exceed 80%.
All sports and recreational activities, with or without physical contact, performed INDOORS are LIMITED to individuals who are fully-vaccinated, from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
All INDOOR sports and recreational facilities are ALLOWED to operate with activities that require physical touch at up to 50% capacity, LIMITED to fully-vaccinated individuals and their children who are under 18 years old of age, subject to strict SOP. Worker capacity (both management and operations) cannot exceed 80%.
Group sports and recreational activities / training (without or without contact) are limited to fully-vaccinated individuals and their children who are below 18 years of age, with supervision and limited to 50% capacity of the venue / area, or up to 250 persons at any one time, including the coach / instructor / parents, whichever is fewer.
Competitions or championships, with or without contact, are only allowed WITH PERMISSION from the Sports Commission Office (PPS).
Competitions or championships or mass sports events are only allowed WITH PERMISSION from PPS, limited to no more than 250 people at any one time for sports like triathlon, open water swimming, marathon, trail run, obstacle run and so on. Updated!
International competitions or championships using the Sports Bubble model are subject to KBS approval only.
Spectator / supporter presence at sports and recreational venues are limited to 30% of capacity or 10,000 people (whichever is lower), and limited to fully-vaccinated individuals and children. However, children under 18 are not allowed to enter if they are not fully-vaccinated. Updated!
The operation of both OUTDOOR and INDOOR sports and recreational facilities are subject to the rules of the local authorities / relevant authorities.
Entry of foreign athlete / coach / official / technical support into Malaysia is subject to the rules governing entry of foreigners into Malaysia.
Everyone must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines. New!

Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing, including in fishing ponds, is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals from 6 AM until 12 midnight.

Picnic + Camping

Picnic and camping are ALLOWED.
Fully vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children 18 years and younger for such activities, subject to strict SOP.

Tourism

Interstate tourism is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to undertake tourism activities, by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card when checking in.
Hotel and homestay operators must ensure that individuals who enter their premises prove that they are fully-vaccinated by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card.
Individuals who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 18 years or younger for tourism activities at the hotel and homestay.
Visits by prior appointment are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals to public cultural premises like museum, gallery, archive, handicraft centre, memorial, library and cultural complex, cultural village or center, cultural shows, up to 50% capacity.
Tourism centre / premise / product like zoo, farm, aquarium, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and jungle are allowed to operate on the condition that all operators and visitors / guests are fully-vaccinated.
Theme parks and family entertainment centres are allowed to operate with up to 50% capacity, on the condition that the operators, employees and customers are fully-vaccinated.
It is encouraged to undergo a COVID-19 screening test when conducting these activities. New!

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are ALLOWED to operate at 50% capacity, on the condition that all crew members and passengers are fully-vaccinated.
Pub and night club activities onboard are FORBIDDEN.
Must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines. New!

Manufacturing, Construction, Mining + Quarrying

For manufacturing, construction mining and quarrying companies that achieved these fully vaccinated rates :
a) 80% to 100% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
b) Less than 80% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
Workers must undergo RTK antigen tests every two weeks, at employer’s cost

Trade + Distribution

Only open to fully-vaccinated customers :
1. Photographic equipment and photography shop
2. Preloved (second hand) shop
3. Flower and nursery shop
4. Handicraft and souvenir shop
5. Antique shop
6. Games shop
7. Carpet shop
8. Creative content and equipment shop
9. Outdoor equipment (including camping, fishing and other equipment)
10. Cosmetics, skincare and perfume
11. Tobacco shop (including vape and electronic cigarette)
12. House and kitchen appliance shop
13. Furniture shop
14. Sporting goods shop
15. Car accessories shop
16. Car sales and distribution
17. Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
18. Jewellery shop
19. Barber shop
20. Beauty salon / center
21. House show room
Premise owners must ensure that customers who wish to enter MUST show their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, to prove that they are fully-vaccinated.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children who are 18 years old or younger to these premises.

Spa, Wellness + Massage Parlours

Spa, wellness and massage parlours are ALLOWED to operate, on the condition that both customers and operators are fully-vaccinated.
Employees and customers must be fully-vaccinated, not COVID-19 positive and not close contacts to positive cases, and not symptomatic.
Walk-in is not allowed. Only customers with prior appointments are allowed.
Employees must wear disposable gloves, face mask and face shield while at work.
Employees must replace their disposable gloves, liners for the bed or mattress or chair, and clean all equipment including face shield before attending to each customer.
The ventilation system must be maintained according to schedule.
MOTAC will monitor these conditions :
– spa operators must declare how many employees are fully-vaccinated to MOTAC before they are allowed to operate
– SOP Self-Compliance Program, especially ventilation within the premise.
– MOTAC will monitor compliance by conducting periodical spot checks
– COVID-19 screening test of symptomatic employees

Driving School

Driving schools are ALLOWED to operate, with the condition that all workers, teaching staff and candidates must be fully-vaccinated, with COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card as evidence.
Only employees who are fully-vaccinated and asymptomatic are allowed

Creative + Entertainment Industry

All creative industry practitioners who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to resume these activities :
– development and broadcast of recorded or live-streamed creative content
– broadcast or livestream of information and entertainment with fully-vaccinated spectators up to 70% capacity of the studio space.
– in-studio or outdoor filming
– busking
– lounge hotel performances to fully-vaccinated guests
– live performances like theatre, musical, music and comedy (pre-registered) with fully-vaccinated attendees up to 70% of premise capacity.
Cinema activities are ALLOWED with fully-vaccinated workers and cinema goers, up to 80% of cinema capacity.
Must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines. New!

Government + Private Official Events

Official events by the government or private sector, including inaugurations and so on, are allowed, subject to these conditions :
– Organisers and participants must be fully-vaccinated, not positive for COVID-19, not close contact to positive cases and not symptomatic.
– Individuals who have not been vaccinated must undergo pre-event testing using a (saliva) self-test kit before attending, witnessed by the organiser or a medical practitioner.
– Limited to 50% capacity of the event space.
– Only packed food is allowed to be provided.

MICE

Seminar, workshop, course, training and talk are allowed, subject to these conditions :
– Organisers and participants must be fully-vaccinated, not positive for COVID-19, not close contact to positive cases and not symptomatic.
– Individuals who have not been vaccinated must undergo pre-event testing using a (saliva) self-test kit before attending, witnessed by the organiser or a medical practitioner.
– Limited to 50% capacity of the event space.
– Only packed food is allowed to be provided.

Travel Restrictions In Phase 3 Areas

Interstate travel is only ALLOWED for FULLY-VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS.
Interstate travel is FORBIDDEN in Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO / PKPD) areas.
The area will be controlled by the police (PDRM), with help from ATM, APM and RELA.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to travel in vehicles at full capacity. Individuals are allowed to bring children who are 18 years and below.
For those who are not fully-vaccinated :
– Only three (3) household representatives may leave to purchase food, medicine, dietary supplement and basic necessities.
– Up to three (3) people, including the patient, may leave to seek healthcare, medical care, screening test, vaccination, security or emergencies.
Taxis and e-hailing rides can travel at maximum capacity.
Vehicles carrying goods or involved in the economic chain or industry (including worker transportation) are allowed to travel at full capacity.
Official and government vehicles are allowed to travel at full capacity.
Airports, ports and logistic sector are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours.
Sea and land public transportation like bus, express bus, ferry are allowed to operate at full capacity.
Unloading of goods at premises, factories and ports are ALLOWED.
Disaster or humanitarian aid from NGO must obtain permission from the state or district Disaster Management Committee, and the aid must be channelled through the Disaster Operational Control Centre (PKOB) of the affected area.
Travel for Short Term Business Visitors under the One Stop Centre (OSC) initiative for official or business purposes are ALLOWED with police permission.

Civil Service

Subject to the current orders by the Secretary to the Government of Malaysia.
Civil service will operate in hybrid mode with this approach :
– Office attendance must not exceed 80% at any one time (except for frontliners, security, defence and enforcement), and 20% must work from home, in rotation.
– Counter services are subject to the current orders from the Secretary to the Government of Malaysia (KSN).
– Civil servants going to office must receive official attendance order and worker’s pass.

Private Sector

Employee interstate travel is limited to approved operations letter or worker’s pass or employer’s letter of authority.
Employee capacity for the private sector is limited to 80%.
All offices not listed under essential services are allowed to operate at these vaccination rates :
a) 80% to 100% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
b) Less than 80% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity

Meetings

Face-to-face meeting are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals, limited to 50% of meeting room capacity.
Meetings must be conducted via video conferencing for individuals who are not fully-vaccinated.
It is encouraged to conduct meetings through video conferencing.
Critical interviews are ALLOWED either face-to-face or online.

Business Activities In Phase 3 Areas

Restaurants (including in hotel, sports and recreation club house), food shops, food stalls, food trucks, hawkers, food courts, hawker centres. food kiosks are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
Sale of food only allowed through takeaway, drive-through or delivery, except dine-in services for fully-vaccinated customers. Dine-in services for social events are FORBIDDEN.
Healthcare services like hospitals, clinics and medical laboratories are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours, or up to their licensed operating hours.
Petrol stations, including convenience stores inside petrol stations, can operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight, except for those on tolled highways which can operate 24 hours.
Rest and Recreation (R&R) operations in all highways are allowed to operate 24 hours.
All trade and distribution sectors are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight, or according to their business licence.

Daily and public markets are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 4 PM, subject to the local authorities, proper SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision.
Controlled Fresh Produce Market (PST) are ALLOWED to open from 7 AM until 2 PM.
Permanent Farm Market (PTK), MyFarm Outlet (MFO) and Local Farmer’s Association Complex (PPK) are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 6 PM.
Wholesale markets are ALLOWED to open according to their licensed time, subject to the full vaccination of all employees, complying with the SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision.
Farmer’s market and morning market are ALLOWED to open from 7 AM until 1 PM.
Night markets and weekend markets are ALLOWED to operate according to their licence / permit until 12 midnight, with SOP compliance and monitoring by the authorities including RELA / civil defence.
Customers who wish to enter night markets and weekend markets MUST show their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate to prove that they are fully-vaccinated.
Agriculture, fisheries, livestock, plantation, commodity and logging, and their supply chains, are ALLOWED to operate.
Manufacturing and construction, and their supply chains, are ALLOWED to operate.
The operation of mines and quarries is ALLOWED, subject to the Mining and Quarrying SOP.

Education In Phase 3 Areas

All private educational institutes like tuition centres, language centres, skill centre, mind enrichment centre and other institutes registered under the Ministry of Education can conduct face-to-face classes at 50% capacity.
Reopening of schools under the Ministry of Education (KPM), or educational institutes registered with KPM for face-to-face learning are based on risk assessment and opinions of the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the National Security Council (MKN).
Primary School Reopening
a) Special needs students (MBK) in National Special Education Schools and Integrated Special Education Program can attend classes without rotation.
b) Preschool and private kindergarten students can attend classes without rotation.
c) all other students will continue with online classes.
Secondary School Reopening
a) Form 6 Semester 2, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) Year 2 and Pre-University Program Semester 3 students in Malaysia Sports School (SSM) can attend classes without rotation.
b) Special needs students (MBK) in National Special Education / Vocational Schools or PPKI can attend classes without rotation.
c) Pre-University Program students in SSM (Malaysia Sports School) and students preparing for public examinations like SPM, STAM, SVM, STPM in full boarding schools (SBP), full boarding National Religious Secondary School (SMKA) / Government-Assisted Religious School (SABK), Art School and Sports School can attend classes without rotation.
d) Students sitting for international IGCSE (International General Certificate for Secondary Education) O Level, A-Level and Australia Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme can attend classes without rotation.
e) Students studying for other International exams can attend classes in rotation.
f) Students studying for public exams like SPM, STAM, SVM and STPM in day school / private school can attend classes in rotation.
g) all other students will continue with online classes.
Matriculation College
a) Students of two semester and four semester (Semester 3) systems can attend classes in college or online classes.
b) Semester 1 students of the four semester system must continue with online learning (PdPR).
Teachers College (IPG)
a) Online learning up to 6/7 November 2021 for PPISMP, PISMP and PDPP students. Face-to-face or hybrid learning at the IPG campus will begin on 7/8 November 2021.
b) Online learning will continue for PDPM and KDC students. Face-to-face or hybrid learning at the IPG campus will begin on 11/12 December 2021.
Students are allowed to travel inter-state to attend school or other education institute with a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education, MARA or the relevant Ministry or Agency.
Students are allowed to be accompanied by a guardian / parent while travelling to and from their school or other education institute.
Teachers or lecturers who are involved in face-to-face classes are allowed to travel interstate, with confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education.
Students who need to travel from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan and vice versa must comply with existing quarantine rules.
Students are allowed to travel interstate to their hostels with confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education / MARA or any relevant Ministry or Agency.
Students staying in hostels must test themselves using the COVID-19 Self-Test Kit three times – before registering to enter, on the 6th day and on the 14th day in their hostel.
IPG students are encouraged to test themselves using the COVID-19 Self-Test Kit a day before returning to IPG, or undergo a swab test at a health facility and inform the IPG of the results.
Industrial training and skills training centres, including vocational college, TVET and so on are allowed to operate.
All schools and skill training institutes other than those under KPM, tahfiz centre and other educational institutes are subject to their relevant Ministry or Agency.
All institutes of higher learning will be open in stages to students who are fully-vaccinated.
All learning activities in institutes of higher learning – face-to-face, in groups – are allowed for fully-vaccinated students. Hybrid learning will be conducted for students on campus, while online learning will continue for students who are unable to return to campus.
International and professional exams, as well as research activities requiring lab access in tertiary education facilities are ALLOWED.
Students in boarding schools or universities are ALLOWED to continue hybrid studies.
Kindergartens and daycare centres under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) are allowed to operate.
Private and public kindergartens, kindergartens in private, international and expatriate schools and mind development centres are ALLOWED to operate for parents or guardians who are working.
Home care or rehabilitation centres of children, the disabled (OKU), senior citizens, women and other care facilities are allowed to operate, subject to the SOP.
Operators and employees of all kindergartens, daycare centres, home care or rehabilitation centres must be fully-vaccinated.
Kindergartens, childcare facilities, day care centres and similar care facilities must obey the National COVID-19 Testing Strategy guidelines. New!

Religion

Mosque and surau activities are allowed for fully-vaccinated individuals, subject to the State Religious Authority.
Islamic wedding ceremony (akad nikah) is ALLOWED, subject to the State Religious Authority.
Activities at non-Muslim houses of worship are ALLOWED, subject to the National Unity Ministry.
Non-Muslim marriage registrations are allowed at the National Registration Department (JPN), houses of worship and religious associations, subject to limits set by JPN.
Burial activities are allowed, subject to the State Religion Authority (Islam) or the National Unity Ministry (Non-Muslim).

Sports + Recreation (for partially-vaccinated / unvaccinated)

Individual sports and recreational activities without physical contact and physical distancing of 1-3 metres are allowed in OUTDOOR spaces, from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
Operations of all OUTDOOR sports and recreational facilities are subject to the local authorities.

National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP : NEGATIVE LIST

These activities are FORBIDDEN using the National Recovery Plan Recovery Phase 3 SOP.

Night club and pub activities
Social events like feasts, festivals, weddings, engagements, receptions, aqiqah ceremonies, tahlil, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, retreats and other social events.
Local tourism involving foreign tourists entering Malaysia.
Sports and recreational activities exceeding the allowed capacity.
Championship / competition / sports or recreational event that do not have permission from PPS. Updated!
Any activity that involves many people gathering in one place until it is hard to maintain physical distancing, and compliance with the Director General of Health’s orders.
Any other matter that may be decided by the Government from time to time.

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National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : 11 October Edition!

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Here is the latest SOP for Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) for Malaysia!

Please SHARE this out, so your friends are updated on the latest Phase 2 SOP as well!

For Phase 1 SOP, please see PPN 1 SOP : 16 August 2021 Edition!
For Phase 3 SOP, please see PPN 3 SOP : 11 October Edition!
For Phase 4 SOP, please see PPN 4 SOP : 11 October Edition!

National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : Where Does It Apply?

This Phase 2 SOP currently applies to Kelantan, Perak, Penang, Sabah and Kedah.

National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : 24 September 2021 Video!

This video shows the latest National Recovery Plan SOP slides (24 September 2021) for Phase 2, followed by our English translation.

National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : 11 October Update!

This is the latest National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP that was released on 11 October 2021.

General Health Protocol In Phase 2 Areas

Licence holders and premise owners must provide MySejahtera QR code and a manual logbook to register customers.
Hand sanitiser must be provided at the entrance, and customers must use it before entering.
The use of MySejahtera is mandatory is areas with good Internet connectivity. The use of logbook is only allowed in areas with no Internet connectivity, or other reasonable excuse.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers and workers check in using MySejahtera. or the manual logbook if there’s no Internet connectivity.
Employers, employees, customers and visitors are required to check in using MySejahtera or write their names and phone numbers legibly in the logbook (if there is no Internet connectivity).
In shopping malls, customers only need to scan their body temperatures ONCE at the mall entry point. It is not necessary to scan their body temperature at every premise in the mall.
Those with body temperatures exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius are NOT ALLOWED to enter.
Malls and premise owners must ensure that only customers with Low Risk or Casual Contact Low Risk in MySejahtera are allowed to enter.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers must maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre entering or leaving their premises.
Individuals 18 years and below are not encouraged to be in public places and facilities.
Premise owners and business licence holders must restrict the number of customers within their premises to ensure at least 1 metre physical distancing.
Every premise must publicly display the limit of customers allowed inside at any one time. The use of a numbered queue system is encouraged to control the number of customers.
All building owners must provide QR Codes for each floor / level.
It is MANDATORY for employees, suppliers and customers to properly wear face masks while within the premise.
There must be good VENTILATION at the premise according to ventilation and indoor air quality guidelines issued by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP). Updated!
It is MANDATORY to wear a face mask, especially in crowded public areas, EXCEPT in these places or situations :
a) hotel room or paid accommodation, alone or with your own family
b) Personal working space
c) Sporting activities and outdoor recreation
d) Personal vehicle, alone or with your own family
e) Indoor or outdoor public areas, when there are no other individuals
f) While eating or drinking in public areas, when there are no other individuals (except in restaurants or other food & beverage premises)

Benefits For Fully Vaccinated People In Phase 2 Areas

Inter-District + Interstate Travel

Inter-district and interstate travel is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals who must show their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card, and identity card or passport as evidence.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children who are 17 years old or younger, while complying with general health protocols.

Overseas Travellers

Malaysian citizens or foreigners who have homes in Malaysia (including PR and Malaysia My Second Home participants) arriving from overseas, are ALLOWED to undergo mandatory quarantine at home if they are fully vaccinated, on accepting a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) subject to these conditions:
– Show proof of a valid negative RT-PCR test taken within 3 days of departure
– Have a valid and complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate (depending on the type of vaccine).
– Have no symptoms during the health screening conducted at the International entry point.
– Have suitable accommodations to undergo quarantine
Individuals who arrive from overseas and are not fully vaccinated, or have not been vaccinated, must undergo mandatory quarantine in a KKM-approved quarantine centre.
The mandatory quarantine for travellers from all countries is 14 days, and can be extended a further 7 days, based on the risk assessment on Day 14.
Travellers must conduct a self-assessment using the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) in the MySejahtera app, every day until the end of the quarantine period (14 or 21 days after arrival).
Travellers must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR screening test on arrival. The RT-PCR screening test for COVID-19 must be released on Day 10, or Day 18 (for travellers undergoing a 21-day quarantine).

Religion

Prayer activities at the mosque and surau for individuals who are fully vaccinated are ALLOWED, subject to the rules and SOP by the state religious authority.
Prayer activities at non-Muslim religious houses for individuals who are fully vaccinated are ALLOWED, subject to the rules and SOP by the Ministry of National Unity.

Dine-In

Restaurant operators, including hotels, sports and recreational club houses, food shops, food stalls, food trucks, roadside hawkers, food courts, food carts, and food kiosks are ALLOWED to offer dine-in services, subject to these conditions :
– only accept customers who are fully-vaccinated, and asymptomatic.
– premise owners MUST display a notice at the entrance stating that only fully-vaccinated customers who are asymptomatic are allowed in
– only workers who are fully-vaccinated and asymptomatic are allowed to work at these vaccination rates :
a) 40% : allowed to operate with 60% worker capacity
b) 60% : allowed to operate with 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : allowed to operate with 100% worker capacity
– premise owners must arrange the tables with physical distancing, and ensure the premise has good ventilation.
– dine-in is allowed with a maximum capacity of 50% per table, with physical distance of at least 1 metre.
Individuals who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 17 years or younger to dine-in.

Sports + Recreation

All OUTDOOR sports and recreational activities with physical contact are LIMITED to fully-vaccinated individuals, from 6 AM until 10 PM.
All OUTDOOR sports and recreational facilities are ALLOWED to operate for fully-vaccinated individuals and their children who are below 18 years old for activities involving contact, subject to strict SOP. Worker capacity (both management and operations) cannot exceed 60%.
All INDOOR sports and recreational activities, with or without physical contact, done individually or in groups, are LIMITED to those individuals who are fully vaccinated, from 6 AM to 10 PM.
All INDOOR sports and recreational facilities are ALLOWED to operate, but only open to fully-vaccinated individuals and their children who are below 18 years old, up to 50% capacity. Worker capacity (both management and operations) cannot exceed 60%.
The operation of both OUTDOOR and INDOOR sports and recreational facilities are subject to the rules of the local authorities / relevant authorities.
Competitions or championships are limited to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Malaysian Football League – MFL) and those who received special permission from KBS.
Group sports and recreational activities / training (without or without contact) are limited to fully-vaccinated individuals and their children who below 18 years old, with supervision and limited to 50% capacity of the venue / area, or up to 50 persons at any one time, including the coach / instructor / parents, whichever is fewer.
Spectator / supporter presence at sports and recreational venues are limited to 20% of capacity or 5,000 people (whichever is lower), and limited to fully-vaccinated individuals who are 18 years or older only. Updated!

Recreational Fishing

Recreational fishing, including fishing pond, is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals, from 6 AM until 10 PM. Updated!

Picnic + Camping

Picnic and camping are ALLOWED. Updated!
Fully vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children 18 years and younger for such activities, subject to strict SOP.

Tourism

Interstate tourism is ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals. Updated!
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to undertake tourism activities, by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card when checking in. Updated!
Hotel and homestay operators must ensure that individuals who enter their premises prove that they are fully-vaccinated by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card.
Individuals who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 18 years or younger for tourism activities at the hotel and homestay.
Visits by prior appointment are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals to public cultural premises like museum, gallery, archive, handicraft centre, memorial, library and cultural complex, cultural village or center, cultural shows, up to 50% capacity.
Tourism centre / premise / product like zoo, farm, aquarium, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and jungle are allowed to operate on the condition that all operators and visitors / guests are fully-vaccinated.

Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are ALLOWED to operate at 50% capacity, on the condition that all crew members and passengers are fully-vaccinated.
Pub and night club activities onboard are FORBIDDEN.

Manufacturing + Construction Sectors

Manufacturing and construction activities not listed in the Essential Manufacturing and Construction list are ALLOWED, according to these fully vaccinated rates :
a) 40% : Allowed to operate at 60% worker capacity
b) 60% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
Workers must undergo RTK antigen tests every two weeks, at employer’s cost

Mining + Quarrying

For mining and quarrying companies that achieved these fully vaccinated rates :
a) 80% to 100% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
b) Less than 80% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
Workers must undergo RTK antigen tests every two weeks, at employer’s cost

Trade + Distribution

Only open to fully-vaccinated customers :
1. Photographic equipment and photography shop
2. Preloved (second hand) shop
3. Flower and nursery shop
4. Handicraft and souvenir shop
5. Antique shop
6. Games shop
7. Carpet shop
8. Creative content and equipment shop
9. Outdoor equipment (including camping, fishing and other equipment)
10. Cosmetics, skincare and perfume
11. Tobacco shop (including vape and electronic cigarette)
12. House and kitchen appliance shop
13. Furniture shop
14. Sporting goods shop
15. Car accessories shop
16. Car sales and distribution
17. Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
18. Jewellery shop
19. Barber shop
20. Beauty salon / center
21. House show room
Premise owners must ensure that customers who wish to enter MUST show their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, to prove that they are fully-vaccinated.
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to bring children who are 18 years old or younger to these premises.

Spa, Wellness + Massage Parlours

Spa, wellness and massage parlours are ALLOWED to operate, on the condition that both customers and operators are fully-vaccinated, from 1 October 2021 onwards.
Employees and customers must be fully-vaccinated, not COVID-19 positive and not close contacts to positive cases, and not symptomatic.
Walk-in is not allowed. Only customers with prior appointments are allowed.
Employees must wear disposable gloves, face mask and face shield while at work.
Employees must replace their disposable gloves, liners for the bed or mattress or chair, and clean all equipment including face shield before attending to each customer.
The ventilation system must be maintained according to schedule.
MOTAC will monitor these conditions :
– spa operators must declare how many employees are fully-vaccinated to MOTAC before they are allowed to operate
– SOP Self-Compliance Program, especially ventilation within the premise.
– MOTAC will monitor compliance by conducting periodical spot checks
– COVID-19 screening test of symptomatic employees

Night Market + Weekend Market

Only fully-vaccinated individuals are allowed to enter a night market or weekend market.
Night market and weekend market are allowed to operate, subject to customers proving that they are fully-vaccinated by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card.

Driving School

Driving schools are ALLOWED to operate, with the condition that all workers, teaching staff and candidates must be fully-vaccinated, with COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card as evidence.
Only employees who are fully-vaccinated and asymptomatic are allowed to work at these vaccination rates :
a) 40% : Allowed to operate at 60% worker capacity
b) 60% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity

Creative + Entertainment Industry

All creative industry practitioners who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to resume these activities :
– development and broadcast of recorded or live-streamed creative content
– broadcast or livestream of information and entertainment with fully-vaccinated spectators up to 50% capacity of the studio space.
– in-studio or outdoor filming
– busking
– lounge hotel performances to fully-vaccinated guests
– live performances like theatre, musical, music and comedy (pre-registered) with fully-vaccinated attendees up to 50% of premise capacity.
– cinema activities are ALLOWED with fully-vaccinated workers and cinema goers, up to 50% of cinema capacity.

Government + Private Official Events

Official events by the government or private sector, including inaugurations and so on, are allowed, subject to these conditions :
– Organisers and participants must be fully-vaccinated, not positive for COVID-19, not close contact to positive cases and not symptomatic.
– Individuals who have not been vaccinated must undergo pre-event testing using a (saliva) self-test kit before attending, witnessed by the organiser or a medical practitioner.
– Limited to 50% capacity of the event space.
– Only packed food is allowed to be provided.

MICE

Seminar, workshop, course, training and talk are allowed, subject to these conditions :
– Organisers and participants must be fully-vaccinated, not positive for COVID-19, not close contact to positive cases and not symptomatic.
– Individuals who have not been vaccinated must undergo pre-event testing using a (saliva) self-test kit before attending, witnessed by the organiser or a medical practitioner.
– Limited to 50% capacity of the event space.
– Only packed food is allowed to be provided.

Travel Restrictions In Phase 2 Areas

Interstate travel is ALLOWED only for FULLY-VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS. New!
Interstate travel is FORBIDDEN in Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO / PKPD) areas. New!
The area will be controlled by the police (PDRM), with help from ATM, APM and RELA. Updated!
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to travel in vehicles at full capacity.
For those who are not fully-vaccinated :
– Only two (2) household representatives may leave to purchase food, medicine, dietary supplement and basic necessities.
– Up to three (3) people, including the patient, may leave to seek healthcare, medical care, screening test, vaccination, security or emergencies.
Taxis and e-hailing rides are limited to just TWO (2) people in the vehicle, including the driver, and the passenger must sit in the back.
Vehicles carrying goods or involved in the economic chain or industry (except worker transportation) is allowed to travel at full capacity.
Official and government vehicles are allowed to travel at full capacity.
Airports, ports and logistic sector are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours.
Public transportation (train, bus, LRT, MRT, ERL, monorail, taxi, ferry) are allowed to operate at full capacity.
Unloading of non-essential goods in factories is limited to delivery and receipt of goods or cargo in existing stockpiles for the purpose of import and export only with limited workers. Unloading of essential goods is not subject to these restrictions and can proceed as usual.
Disaster or humanitarian aid from NGO must obtain permission from the state or district Disaster Management Committee, and the aid must be channelled through the Disaster Operational Control Centre (PKOB) of the affected area.
Travel for Short Term Business Visitors under the One Stop Centre (OSC) initiative for official or business purposes are ALLOWED with police permission.

Civil Service

Subject to the current orders by the Secretary to the Government of Malaysia.
Civil service will operate in hybrid mode with this approach :
– Office attendance must not exceed 60% at any one time (except for frontliners, security, defence and enforcement), and 40% must work from home, in rotation.
– Counter services are subject to the current orders from the Secretary to the Government of Malaysia (KSN).
– Civil servants going to office must receive official attendance order and worker’s pass.

Private Sector

Approved essential services must have official approval from the relevant Ministry or Agency.
Employee travel is limited to approved operations letter or worker’s pass or employer’s letter of authority.
Employee capacity for the private sector (essential services) is limited to 80%, including both operations and management. Employee capacity can be increased to 100% when employee vaccination is 80% or higher.
All offices not listed under essential services are allowed to operate at these vaccination rates :
a) 40% : Allowed to operate at 60% worker capacity
b) 60% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity

MICE

Face-to-face meeting are ALLOWED for fully-vaccinated individuals, limited to 50% of meeting room capacity.
Meetings must be conducted via video conferencing for individuals who are not fully-vaccinated.
It is encouraged to conduct meetings through video conferencing.
Critical interviews are ALLOWED either face-to-face or online.

Business Activities In Phase 2 Areas

Restaurants, food shops, food stalls, food trucks, hawkers, food courts, hawker centres. food kiosks are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
Sale of food only allowed through takeaway, drive-through or delivery, except dine-in services for fully-vaccinated customers. Dine-in services for social events are FORBIDDEN.
Park & dine services are FORBIDDEN.
Grocers, convenience stores and mini marts are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
Pharmacies and self-care stores are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Hardware stores, vehicle workshops, childcare stores and religious stores are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Healthcare services like hospitals, clinics and medical laboratories are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours, or up to their licensed operating hours.
Petrol stations can operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight, except for those on tolled highways which can operate 24 hours.
Supermarkets, shopping malls, and departmental stores allowed to operate from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Bookstores and stationery, computer, telecommunications, and electrical shops are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Barber, hair saloon and beauty saloons are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Veterinarian clinics and pet food stores are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Laundry services, car wash and optical stores are allowed to operate from 6 AM until 10 PM. Self-service laundromats must ensure an employee is present on-premise.

Daily and public markets are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 4 PM, subject to the local authorities, proper SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision.
Controlled Fresh Produce Market (PST) are ALLOWED to open from 7 AM until 2 PM.
Permanent Farm Market (PTK), MyFarm Outlet (MFO) and Local Farmer’s Association Complex (PPK) are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 4 PM.
Wholesale markets are ALLOWED to open according to their licensed time, subject to the full vaccination of all employees, complying with the SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision. Updated!
Farmer’s market and morning market are ALLOWED to open from 7 AM until 11 AM, limited to main commodities determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI).
Night market and weekend market are ALLOWED to operate, subject to SOP and monitoring by RELA or local authorities.
Only fully-vaccinated people may enter a night market or weekend market, by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card.
The operation of mines and quarries is ALLOWED, subject to the Mining and Quarrying SOP.
Fishing for livelihood is ALLOWED.

Education In Phase 2 Areas

Reopening of schools under the Ministry of Education (KPM), or educational institutes registered with KPM for face-to-face learning are based on risk assessment and opinions of the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the National Security Council (MKN).
Primary School Reopening
a) Special needs students (MBK) in National Special Education Schools and Integrated Special Education Program can attend classes without rotation.
b) all other students will continue with online classes.
Secondary School Reopening
a) Form 6 Semester 2, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) Year 2 and Pre-University Program Semester 3 students in Malaysia Sports School (SSM) can attend classes without rotation.
b) Special needs students (MBK) in National Special Education / Vocational Schools or PPKI can attend classes without rotation.
c) Students sitting for international IGCSE (International General Certificate for Secondary Education) O Level, A-Level and Australia Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme can attend classes without rotation.
d) all other students will continue with online classes.
Students are allowed to travel inter-state to attend school or other education institute with a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education.
Students are allowed to be accompanied by a guardian / parent while travelling to and from their school or other education institute.
Teachers or lecturers who are involved in face-to-face classes are allowed to travel interstate, with confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education.
Students who need to travel from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan and vice versa must comply with existing quarantine rules.
Students are allowed to travel interstate to their hostels with confirmation letter from the Ministry of Education.
Students staying in hostels must test themselves using the COVID-19 Self-Test Kit three times – before registering to enter, on the 6th day and on the 14th day in their hostel.
Industrial training and skills training centres, including vocational college, TVET and so on are allowed to operate starting 15 October 2021.
All schools and skill training institutes other than those under KPM, tahfiz centre and other educational institutes are subject to their relevant Ministry or Agency.
All institutes of higher learning will be open in stages to students who are fully-vaccinated.
All learning activities in institutes of higher learning – face-to-face, in groups – are allowed for fully-vaccinated students. Hybrid learning will be conducted for students on campus, while online learning will continue for students who are unable to return to campus.
International and professional exams, as well as research activities requiring lab access in tertiary education facilities are ALLOWED.
Students in boarding schools or universities are ALLOWED to continue hybrid studies.
Private and public kindergartens, kindergartens in private, international and expatriate schools and mind development centres are ALLOWED to operate for parents or guardians who are working. Their operators and employees must be fully-vaccinated.
Home care or rehabilitation centres of children, the disabled (OKU), senior citizens, women and other care facilities are allowed to operate, subject to the SOP.
Parents or guardians sending their children to childcare centres are allowed to transport them at full vehicle capacity.

Religion

Prayer activities are ALLOWED for individuals who are fully-vaccinated, subject to the rules and SOP of the state Islamic religious authority.
Islamic wedding ceremony (akad nikah) is ALLOWED only in the Islamic Religious Office / Department with the attendance capacity set by the State Religious Authority.
Prayer activities are ALLOWED for individuals who are fully-vaccinated, subject to the rules and SOP of the Ministry of National Unity (KPN).
Non-Muslim marriage registrations are allowed at the National Registration Department (JPN), houses of worship and religious associations, subject to limits set by JPN.
Burial activities are allowed according to limits set by the State Religion Authority (Islam) or the National Unity Ministry (Non-Muslim).

Sports + Recreation (for partially-vaccinated / unvaccinated)

Individual sports and recreational activities without physical contact and physical distancing of 1-3 metres are allowed in OUTDOOR spaces, from 6 AM until 10 PM.
All OUTDOOR sports and recreational facilities are ALLOWED to open, with supervision and up to 60% worker capacity (both management and operations).
Operations of all OUTDOOR sports and recreational facilities are subject to the local authorities.
Athlete / coach / official / technical support participation in overseas championships or competitions or matches are subject to the approval of the Immigration Department. Updated!
Picnics and camping are FORBIDDEN for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : Essential Services

Essential Services Allowed To Operate In Phase 2 Areas

Food and beverages, including for animals
Healthcare and medical services, including dietary supplements, veterinarian services, etc.
Water supply
Energy supply
Security and safety, defence, emergency, social and humanitarian services
Waste disposal and public sanitisation and sewerage
Land, water and air transportation
Port, shipyard, airport services and operations, including loading, unloading, cargo handling and piloting, storage or transportation of commodities
Communications including media, telecommunications and Internet, post and courier, as well as broadcasting (for the purpose of conveying information, news and the like.
Banking, insurance, takaful and capital markets (60% capacity)
Community credit and pawn shops
E-commerce and information technology
Production, distillation, storage, supply and distribution of fuels and lubricants
Hotels and accommodation (only for quarantine purposes, segregation, employment for essential services and not for tourism).
Construction
Forestry services (limited to enforcement) and wildlife
Legislative and judiciary.
Lawyers and commissioners of oaths
Accounting services
Professional services and consultants (subject to the Professional Body’s regulatory authority)
Logistics limited to delivery of essential services

Essential Services According To Sector In Phase 2 Areas

All industries are FORBIDDEN, except for the following sectors :

Manufacturing

Aerospace (components and maintenance, repair and overhaul – MRO)
Food and beverage
Packaging and printing materials, only related to essential services
Personal care and cleaning products
Healthcare and medical medicine
Personal care items, personal protective equipment (PPE), including rubber gloves and fire safety equipment
Components for medical devices.
Electrical and electronics of global economic chain importance
Oil and gas, including petrochemicals and petrochemical products
Machinery and equipment
Textiles for PPE production only
Production, distillation, storage, supply and distribution of fuels and lubricants
Automotive (vehicles and components)
Ceramics
Cement
Rubber
Iron and steel
Furniture factory

Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Plantation and Commodities

Agriculture, fisheries and livestock and their supply chains
Plantation and commodities including their supply chain (oil palm, rubber, pepper, cocoa, lumber, kenaf, biodiesel and agricommodity certification)
Logging activity is subject to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA).

Construction

Maintenance and repair works
Public infrastructure construction works
Construction works that provide approved employee accommodation at construction sites.
Construction works that house workers in approved Centralised Workers Quarters (CLQ).
Construction works of small projects carried out by G1, G2, G3 and G4 contractors.
Renovation of personal homes or commercial buildings.
Land investigation work.
Construction of Government Funded Project.
Professionals / consultants involved in permitted construction works
Services in the supply chain for permitted construction works
Site preparation work, like surveying work, earthworks, marking and clearing of site
Road and highway construction work

Trade + Distribution (Without Vaccination)

Shopping malls INCLUDING supermarkets, hypermarkets, departmental stores and all listed essential services.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets
Departmental stores
Pharmacies, self-care stores, convenience stores and mini marts.
Restaurants
Laundry services, including self-service laundromats
Pet care and pet food stores
Eyewear and optical goods stores
Hardware stores
E-commerce – all product categories
Wholesale and distribution – for all essential products only
Bookstores and stationery shops
Computer and telecommunications
Electrical goods shops
Carwashes
Vehicle workshops, maintenance and spare parts
Other specialty retail store (petrol stations)

Trade + Distribution (For Fully-Vaccinated)

Photographic equipment and photography shop
Preloved (second hand) shop
Flower and nursery shop
Handicraft and souvenir shop
Antique shop
Games shop
Carpet shop
Creative content and equipment shop
Outdoor equipment (including camping, fishing and other equipment)
Cosmetics, skincare and perfume
Tobacco shop (including vape and electronic cigarette)
House and kitchen appliance shop
Furniture shop
Sporting goods shop
Car accessories shop
Car sales and distribution
Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
Jewellery shop
Barber shop
Beauty center or salon
House show room

National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : NEGATIVE LIST

These activities are FORBIDDEN using the National Recovery Plan Recovery Phase 2 SOP.

Cybercafes and cybercenters
Feasts, festivals, weddings, engagements, receptions, aqiqah ceremonies, tahlil, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, retreats and other social events.
All MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) events that are face-to-face.
Theme parks, family entertainment centres, indoor playgrounds, karaoke, including family karaoke.
Interstate and inter-district tourism by individuals who are not fully-vaccinated. Updated!
Local tourism involving foreign tourists entering Malaysia.
Sports and recreational activities exceeding the allowed capacity.
Sports and recreational activities and operations that exceed the allowed time, except for those sponsored by Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Malaysian Football League (MFL) and with special KBS permission only.
All championships, competitions, and matches, EXCEPT those organised by the KBS, MFL and with special KBS permission only.
Night club or pub activities
Any activity that involves many people gathering in one place until it is hard to maintain physical distancing, and compliance with the Director General of Health’s orders.
Any other matter that may be decided by the Government from time to time.

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Malaysia : ALL Retail + Distribution Businesses Can Reopen!

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As part of the continued liberalisation of the economy, Malaysia just announced that ALL retail and distribution businesses can now REOPEN.

Here is what you need to know!

Malaysia : ALL Retail + Distribution Businesses Can Reopen!

On 11 October 2021, the Malaysia Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) announced that ALL retail and distribution businesses can REOPEN across the nation.

This is in conjunction with the reopening of interstate travel and tourism across Malaysia, and internationally.

It was not specifically mentioned, but according to the current SOP, these businesses can only accept FULLY-VACCINATED customers.

Retail + Distribution Businesses No Longer Require Permission!

Earlier, retail and distribution services have to apply for permission to operate using the CIMS (COVID-19 Information Management System).

That application is no longer necessary. All trade and distribution businesses can now reopen without prior permission from KPDNHEP.

However, they must still comply with the COVID-19 SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that have been issued by the National Security Council (MKN).

KPDNHEP enforcement officials will continue to conduct checks and enforcement using plainclothes officers under Ops Samar, to ensure that all retail and distribution businesses continue to comply with the SOP.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Why You Should Only Buy Genuine Dr Clo Disinfectant Sticks!

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Find out why you should only use genuine Dr Clo disinfectant sticks, and how to identify the real deal!

And don’t forget to WARN your family and friends about counterfeit disinfectant sticks!

Why You Should Only Buy Genuine Dr Clo Disinfectant Sticks!

There are many chlorine dioxide products in the market, but Dr Clo disinfectant sticks have superseded them to become the market leader.

Unfortunately, that has led to a proliferation of counterfeit disinfectant sticks that could put your life at risk, so Dr Clo Malaysia reached out to us for help to warn you all.

Here are some reasons why you should only buy genuine Dr Clo disinfectant sticks :

Reason #1 : Guaranteed Safe ClO2 Concentration

Dr Clo disinfectant sticks have been designed to emit chlorine dioxide at just 0.01-0.02 ppm, which is 10X below the ClO2 exposure limits set by NIOSH and OSHA in the United States.

They are able to do this by emitting chlorine dioxide through their special porous body, instead of a single hole like counterfeit products.

Dr Clo even shared with us a document on their internal measurement of chlorine dioxide, showing ClO2 readings of 0.01 ppm and 0.02 ppm.

Counterfeit disinfectant sticks cannot deliver this safe rate of chlorine dioxide emission, because they have a regular plastic body with a large hole to emit the chlorine dioxide.

Not only do they not provide even emission of ClO2, they have to emit much larger concentration from their single exit hole to achieve the same coverage.

Reason #2 : Long Lifespan

Dr Clo disinfectant sticks are filled with enough chlorine dioxide to deliver up to 50 days of non-stop coverage (without exposure to direct sunlight or high temperature).

Even in direct sunlight or in high temperature conditions, they will last at least 30-40 days.

In a perfect environment – like a fridge where it is enclosed and cool with no exposure to sunlight – they can even last up to 3 months!

Counterfeit disinfectant sticks certainly do not last as long. In fact, there’s no way to know how long they actually last!

Reason #3 : Built-In Indicator

Dr Clo disinfectant sticks have a built-in indicator that tells you when they empty.

Once activated, the indicator will gradually turn yellowish to show that it’s actively emitting ClO2. Once it becomes transparent again, this indicates that it is starting to run low.

You can replace it immediately, but the stick will still emit ClO2 for another 7-10 days, giving you time to purchase replacements.

Counterfeit disinfectant sticks lack this indicator, so it is virtually impossible to know when they run out!

Reason #4 : Korean Quality

Dr Clo disinfectant sticks are all manufactured in South Korea, and subject to stringent quality controls by the NON Corporation.

Counterfeit disinfectant sticks may look like the real deal, but do you really know what they contain?

Reason #5 : Product Liability Insurance

Dr Clo disinfectant sticks are all covered by a Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance product liability insurance (82013139323) worth KRW 500,000,000 – about US$432 thousand or RM 1.8 million!

Counterfeits and copies are, of course, not covered by such liability insurance – yet another reason to stay far away from them!

Now that you know WHY you must only buy genuine Dr Clo disinfectant sticks, find out HOW to identify the real deal!

How To Identify Genuine Dr Clo Disinfectant Sticks!

If you purchase Dr Clo disinfectant sticks online, make sure you check the box. Every genuine Dr Clo disinfectant stick sold online will have a unique QR code sticker.

If you don’t see this QR code sticker, then this is a counterfeit disinfectant stick.

But please note that Dr Clo disinfectant sticks sold at big chain retailers and pharmacies like Watson’s may lack these QR codes, but are all genuine.

Make sure you check the QR code using any QR code scanner. If it is a genuine Dr Clo disinfectant stick, you will be directed to a page that confirms it’s a genuine product :

Dr Clo disinfectant sticks are also ALL made in Korea by NON, and will usually have its US FDA registration and international patent number printed on the box.

If you come across a disinfectant stick that’s made by a different manufacturer, or a different country – that’s a sure sign that it’s a counterfeit or a copy.

Finally, only genuine Dr Clo disinfectant sticks will come with a built-in indicator. This is not only important to let you know when it runs out, it is a sure sign you have a genuine disinfectant stick.

Counterfeit or copies of the Dr Clo disinfectant sticks do NOT have this indicator. Make sure you steer clear of them!

Now that you know HOW to identify genuine Dr Clo disinfectant sticks, find out WHERE to buy the real deal!

Where To Buy Genuine Dr Clo Disinfectant Sticks!

Here in Malaysia, you can buy genuine Dr Clo disinfectant sticks from these authorised retailers :

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Melaka + Negeri Sembilan Upgraded To PPN Phase 2 + 3!

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Melaka and Negeri Sembilan were just upgraded to PPN Phase 2 and Phase 3 respectively!

Find out why they were upgraded, and what privileges they’ll enjoy!

Melaka + Negeri Sembilan Upgraded To PPN Phase 2 + 3!

On 2 September 2021, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan were upgraded to PPN Phase 2 and Phase 3 respectively.

This time, MKN did not announce why Melaka was upgraded, but Melaka residents will enjoy these benefits from Saturday, 4 September 2021 onwards :

inter-district travel for fully-vaccinated people
long-distance couples can travel interstate to meet each other, if they are fully vaccinated
parents or guardians of children below 18 years of age in other states, can travel interstate to meet them, if they are fully vaccinated.
prayers in mosques, suraus, and non-Muslim houses of worship are allowed for those who are fully-vaccinated.
those who are fully-vaccinated are allowed to dine-in at restaurants, cafes and eateries, while proprietors must display a notice that they will only accept fully-vaccinated customers.
tourism is allowed within the same state, for fully-vaccinated people who want to stay in hotels or homestay.

MKN also did not announce why Negeri Sembilan was upgraded to Phase 3, but when they upgraded Negeri Sembilan to PPN Phase 2 earlier, it was made based on these criteria :

ICU usage dropped from over 120% at the end of May, to 40% on 23 August 2021
72.3% of adults were fully-vaccinated

With this upgrade, residents in Negeri Sembilan will get to enjoy these privileges from Saturday, 4 September 2021 onwards :

Public and private sectors can work at up to 80% employee capacity.
Dine-in is permitted at all eateries, with minimum physical distance of 1 metre.
Businesses can open from 6 AM until midnight.
Public and private schools can reopen, with face-to-face teaching limited to 70% in higher education institutes.
Religious activities are permitted.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Negeri Sembilan + Labuan Upgraded To PPN Phase 2 + 4!

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Negeri Sembilan and Labuan was just upgraded to PPN Phase 2 and Phase 4!

Find out why they were upgraded, and what privileges they’ll enjoy!

Negeri Sembilan + Labuan Upgraded To PPN Phase 2 + 4!

On 24 August 2021, Negeri Sembilan and Labuan were both upgraded to PPN Phase 2 and Phase 4 respectively.

The decision to upgrade Negeri Sembilan to PPN Phase 2 was made based on these criteria :

ICU usage dropped from over 120% at the end of May, to 40% on 23 August 2021
72.3% of adults were fully-vaccinated

With this, residents in Negeri Sembilan will get to enjoy these privileges from Thursday, 26 August 2021 onwards :

inter-district travel for fully-vaccinated people
long-distance couples can travel interstate to meet each other, if they are fully vaccinated
parents or guardians of children below 18 years of age in other states, can travel interstate to meet them, if they are fully vaccinated.
prayers in mosques, suraus, and non-Muslim houses of worship are allowed for those who are fully-vaccinated.
those who are fully-vaccinated are allowed to dine-in at restaurants, cafes and eateries, while proprietors must display a notice that they will only accept fully-vaccinated customers.
tourism is allowed within the same state, for fully-vaccinated people who want to stay in hotels or homestay.

The decision to upgrade Labuan to PPN Phase 4 was made based on these criteria :

ICU usage dropped from 30% in July, to 0% right now
92.4% of adults were fully-vaccinated

With this, residents in Labuan will get to enjoy these privileges from Thursday, 26 August 2021 onwards :

all economic sectors are allowed to operate at full worker capacity, subject to the existing SOP
seminars, workshops, courses and all face-to-face meetings are allowed, up to 50% capacity
social events like feasts, celebrations, engagements, retreats, reunions, etc. are allowed at up to 50% capacity, with physical distancing.

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : 25 August 2021 Edition

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Here is the latest SOP for Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) for Malaysia!

Please SHARE this out, so your friends are updated on the latest Phase 1 SOP as well!

For Phase 2 SOP, please see National Recovery Phase 2 SOP : 16 August 2021 Edition!
For Phase 3 SOP, please see National Recovery Phase 3 SOP : 4 August 2021 Edition!

National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : Where Does It Apply?

This Phase 1 SOP currently applies to Kedah, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : 25 August 2021 Video!

This video shows the National Recovery Plan SOP slides (25 August 2021) for Phase 1, followed by our English translation.

NRP Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : 25 August 2021 Update!

This is the latest National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP that was released on 25 August 2021.

General Health Protocol

Licence holders and premise owners must provide MySejahtera QR code and a manual logbook to register customers.
Hand sanitiser must be provided at the entrance, and customers must use it before entering.
The use of MySejahtera is mandatory is areas with good Internet connectivity. The use of logbook is only allowed in areas with no Internet connectivity, or other reasonable excuse.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers and workers check in using MySejahtera. or the manual logbook if there’s no Internet connectivity.
Employers, employees, customers and visitors are required to check in using MySejahtera or write their names and phone numbers legibly in the logbook (if there is no Internet connectivity).
In shopping malls, customers only need to scan their body temperatures ONCE at the mall entry point. It is not necessary to scan their body temperature at every premise in the mall.
Those with body temperatures exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius are NOT ALLOWED to enter.
Malls and premise owners must ensure that only customers with Low Risk or Casual Contact Low Risk in MySejahtera are allowed to enter.
Licence holders and premise owners must ensure that customers must maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre entering or leaving their premises.
Children 17 years or younger are discouraged from being in public places and facilities. Updated!
Premise owners and business licence holders must restrict the number of customers within their premises to ensure at least 1 metre physical distancing.
Every premise must publicly display the limit of customers allowed inside at any one time. The use of a numbered queue system is encouraged to control the number of customers.
All building owners must provide QR Codes for each floor / level.
It is MANDATORY for employees, suppliers and customers to properly wear face masks while within the premise.
There must be good ventilation and aeration at the premise.
It is MANDATORY to wear a face mask, especially in crowded public areas, EXCEPT in these places or situations :
a) hotel room or paid accommodation, alone or with your own family
b) Personal working space
c) Sporting activities and outdoor recreation
d) Personal vehicle, alone or with your own family
e) Indoor or outdoor public areas, when there are no other individuals
f) While eating or drinking in public areas, when there are no other individuals (except in restaurants or other food & beverage premises)

Benefits For Fully Vaccinated People In Phase 1 Areas

Couples In Long Distance Relationship

Couples in long distance relationships are ALLOWED to travel inter-state or inter-district to meet each other, on the condition that they must both be fully vaccinated, and have been verified by PDRM with these documents:
– Copy of identification card of both husband and wife
– Copy of marriage card / certificate
– Copy of COVID-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate for both husband and wife
– Copy of proof of residence of either husband / wife, or confirmation letter from employer
The PDRM permission letter must be shown to pass through roadblocks.

Parents With Children Younger Than 18 Years Old Living Apart

Parents or guardians who have children under the age of 18 years living in a different state or district, are ALLOWED to travel. to meet them, on the condition both parents are fully vaccinated, and have been verified by PDRM with these documents:
– Copy of identification card of parents and child’s birth certificate
– Copy of COVID-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate for both parents
– Child’s schooling information (if relevant, e.g. boarding school)
The PDRM permission letter must be shown to pass through roadblocks.

Overseas Travellers

Malaysian citizens or foreigners who have homes in Malaysia (including PR and Malaysia My Second Home participants) arriving from overseas, are ALLOWED to undergo mandatory quarantine at home if they are fully vaccinated, and given a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) subject to these conditions:
– Show proof of a valid negative RT-PCR test taken within 3 days of departure
– Have a valid and complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate (depending on the type of vaccine).
– Have no symptoms during the health screening conducted at the International entry point.
– Have suitable accommodations to undergo quarantine
Individuals who arrive from overseas and are not fully vaccinated, or have not been vaccinated, must undergo mandatory quarantine in a KKM-approved quarantine centre.
The mandatory quarantine for travellers from all countries is 14 days, and can be extended a further 7 days, based on the risk assessment on Day 14.
Travellers must conduct self-evaluation every day using the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) in MySejahtera, until the end of the quarantine period (either 14 or 21 days). New!
Travellers must undergo RT-PCR screening for COVID-19 on arrival in Malaysia. The RT-PCR tests must be repeated on Day 10 or day 18 (for those quarantined for 21 days). New!

Religion

Prayer activities at the mosque and surau for individuals who are fully vaccinated are ALLOWED, subject to the rules and SOP by the state religious authority.
Prayer activities at non-Muslim religious houses for individuals who are fully vaccinated are ALLOWED, subject to the rules and SOP by the Ministry of National Unity.

Manufacturing + Construction Sectors

For manufacturing and construction activities not listed in the Essential Services list, companies that achieved these fully vaccinated rates are allowed to operate : Updated!
a) 40% : Allowed to operate at 60% worker capacity
b) 60% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
Workers must undergo RTK antigen tests every two weeks, at employer’s cost

Mining + Quarrying

For mining and quarrying companies that achieved these fully vaccinated rates :
a) Less than 60% : Allowed to operate at 60% worker capacity New!
b) 60% : Allowed to operate at 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : Allowed to operate at 100% worker capacity
Workers must undergo RTK antigen tests every two weeks, at employer’s cost

Trade + Distribution

These businesses must only accept fully-vaccinated customers :
1. Car wash
2. Electric and electronic shop
3. House and kitchen appliance shop
4. Furniture shop
5. Sporting goods shop
6. Car accessories shop
7. Car sales and distribution
8. Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
9. Jewellery shop
10. Barber and hair / beauty saloons (basic hair-cutting services only)
Premise owners must ensure that customers who wish to enter MUST show their digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or card, to prove that they are fully-vaccinated.
Parents who are fully-vaccinated can bring their children 17 years or younger to these premises, in compliance with the general health protocol.

Market

Morning market, farmer’s market, night market and weekend market can only accept fully-vaccinated customers. New!
Customers must prove that they are fully-vaccinated by showing their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card. New!

Dine-In

Restaurant operators, including hotels, sports and recreational club houses, food shops, food stalls, food trucks, roadside hawkers, food courts, food carts, and food kiosks are ALLOWED to offer dine-in services, subject to these conditions :
– only accept customers who are fully-vaccinated, and asymptomatic
– premise owners must display a notice stating that only customers who are fully-vaccinated and asymptomatic are allowed in
– workers who are fully-vaccinated and asymptomatic are allowed to work at these capacities :
a) 40% : up to 60% worker capacity
b) 60% : up to 80% worker capacity
c) 80% : up to 100% worker capacity
– premise owners must arrange the tables with physical distancing, and ensure the premise has good ventilation.
– dine-in is allowed with a maximum capacity of 50% per table, with physical distance of at least 1 metre.
Parents who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 17 years or younger to dine-in.

Sports + Recreation

The use of sports and recreational premises and facilities is RESTRICTED to only fully-vaccinated individuals, for all individual activities with physical distance of 2-3 metres from 6 AM until 8 PM, within the same district.
Permitted activities include swimming, equestrian sports, shooting, tennis / badminton (single), golf, motorsports and so on.
Operation of all commercial sports and recreational facilities (outdoor and semi-open), including swimming pool or water sports premises, subject to 60% capacity limit with supervision. Workforce is limited to 60%, including both management and operations. These facilities are limited to fully-vaccinated people, who are allowed to bring children 17 years or younger for the same activities, subject to strict SOP compliance.
Operation of all commercial sports and recreational facilities (outdoor and semi-open), including swimming pool or water sports premises are subject to local authorities.
Dine-in at the club house restaurant or cafe is ALLOWED.
Changing room and shower room at the club house are FORBIDDEN.

Picnics + Camping

Picnic and camping activities are ALLOWED in the same district.
Individuals who are fully-vaccinated are ALLOWED to bring their children who are 17 years or younger for picnic or camping, subject to strict SOP compliance.

Travel Restrictions In Phase 1 Areas

Interstate and inter-district travel (based on district borders determined by state governments) is FORBIDDEN, except for long-distance couples, children in other states / districts, or individuals who have been given PDRM or KKM permission.
All entry and exit into MCO areas will be closed and controlled by the police (PDRM).
Fully-vaccinated individuals are ALLOWED to travel at maximum vehicle capacity. New!
For those who are not fully-vaccinated :
a) Only two (2) household representatives may leave to purchase food, medicine, dietary supplement and basic necessities. Updated!
b) Up to three (3) people, including the patient, may leave to seek healthcare, medical care, screening test, vaccination, security or emergencies. Updated!
Taxis and e-hailing rides are limited to just TWO (2) people in the vehicle, including the driver, and the passenger must sit in the back.
Vehicles carrying goods or involved in the economic chain or industry (except worker transportation) is allowed to travel at full capacity.
Official and government vehicles are allowed to travel at full capacity.
Airports, ports and logistic sector are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours.
Unloading of non-essential goods in factories is limited to delivery and receipt of goods or cargo in existing stockpiles for the purpose of import and export only with limited workers. Unloading time is only allowed from 8 AM until 8 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Unloading of essential goods is not subject to these restrictions and can proceed as usual.
Public transportation (train, bus, LRT, MRT, ERL, monorail, taxi, ferry, e-hailing ride) are allowed to operate at 50% capacity.
Travel for funerals and natural disasters are ALLOWED, with police permission.
Disaster or humanitarian aid from NGO must obtain permission from the state or district Disaster Management Committee, and the aid must be channelled through the Disaster Operational Control Centre (PKOB) of the affected area.
Interstate and inter-district travel for the purpose of going for vaccination is ALLOWED by showing the appointment in MySejahtera, website or SMS.
Members of Parliament or State Legislators are ALLOWED to travel interstate or inter-district to visit their constituencies without conducting any events.
Travel for Short Term Business Visitors under the One Stop Centre (OSC) initiative for official or business purposes are ALLOWED with police permission.

Civil Service

Must work from home (WFH) completely, except for frontliners, security, defence and enforcement.
Office attendance for essential services in the civil service must not exceed 40% at any one time, and must emphasise work that cannot be performed at home, like payment, maintenance, security, technical management, online meetings and ministerial documentation.
Government counter service will operate physically from 1 July 2021 onwards, involving :
– services that cannot be conducted online
– counter service capacity must not exceed 50%
– people are only allowed to be admitted with scheduled appointments
Civil servants going to office must receive official attendance order and worker’s pass.

Private Sector

Approved essential services in the private sector must have official approval from 1 June 2021 onwards.
Employee travel is limited to approved operations letter or worker’s pass or employer’s letter of authority.
Employee capacity for the private sector (essential services only) is limited to 60%, including both operations and management.

MICE

Meetings must be conducted via video conferencing.
Seminars, workshops, courses, training and talks are FORBIDDEN, except in-service training through Camp-Based Training.
Seminars, workshops, courses, training and talks conducted online are ALLOWED.
Critical interviews are ALLOWED either face-to-face or online.

Business Activities In Phase 1 Areas

Restaurants, food shops, food stalls, food trucks, hawkers, food courts, hawker centres. food kiosks are ALLOWED to operate from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Food and beverage sales are only allowed for takeaway, drive-through or delivery, EXCEPT dine-in for fully vaccinated people. New!
Park & dine is FORBIDDEN. Updated!
Grocers, convenience stores, self-care stores and mini-marts are ALLOWED to operate from 8 AM until 8 PM.
Hardware stores, vehicle workshops, childcare stores and religious stores are ALLOWED to operate from 8 AM until 8 PM.
Healthcare services like hospitals, clinics and medical laboratories are ALLOWED to operate 24 hours, or up to their licensed operating hours.
Pharmacies can operate from 8 AM until 8 PM.
Petrol stations can operate from 6 AM until 8 PM, except for those on tolled highways which can operate 24 hours.

Supermarkets, shopping malls and departmental stores can open from 8 AM until 8 PM.
Bookstores, stationery, computer and telecommunications shops are ALLOWED to open from 8 AM until 8 PM.
Veterinarian clinics and pet food stores are ALLOWED to open from 8 AM until 8 PM.
Laundry services and optical stores are allowed to operate from 8 AM until 8 PM. Self-service laundromats must ensure an employee is present on-premise.
Daily and public markets are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 4 PM, subject to the local authorities, proper SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision.
Controlled Fresh Produce Market (PST) are ALLOWED to open from 7 AM until 2 PM.
Permanent Farm Market (PTK), MyFarm Outlet (MFO) and Local Farmer’s Association Complex (PPK) are ALLOWED to open from 6 AM until 4 PM.
Wholesale markets are ALLOWED to open from 12:01 AM until 6 AM, and from 11 AM until 4 PM, subject to the local authorities, proper SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision.
Morning market and farmer’s market are ALLOWED to open from 7 AM until 11 AM, subject to proper SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision. Updated!
Night markets and weekend markets are ALLOWED to open, subject to the local authorities, proper SOP and under RELA / PBT supervision. New!
Customers to morning markets, farmer’s markets, night markets or weekend markets must show their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate or card to prove that they are fully vaccinated. Updated!
Fishing for livelihood is ALLOWED.
All other activities not mentioned in the SOP are FORBIDDEN.

Mining + Quarrying

Supply of minerals, rock material and cement only from existing stockpiles as well as transportation from the mine or quarry to the premise or site of major public infrastructure construction or building construction permitted by this SOP.
Supply of cement and its logistics to premises or construction sites of public infrastructure or building construction permitted by this SOP are ALLOWED. Updated!
The operation and maintenance of mines and quarries is ALLOWED, subject to the Mining and Quarrying SOP.

Education

All public and private institutes of tertiary education, tahfiz centres and other educational institutes must CLOSE.
Tertiary education will continue ONLINE.
All public and private schools and education institutes, tuition centres, language centres, skill centres, counselling centres, etc. must CLOSE.
Only international exams at international and expatriate schools are allowed.
All face-to-face learning are FORBIDDEN, except for tertiary education students who require them.
International and professional exams, as well as research activities requiring lab access in tertiary education facilities are ALLOWED.
Students in boarding schools or universities are ALLOWED to continue using hybrid studies.
Private and public kindergartens, kindergartens in private, international and expatriate schools and mind development centres for children 4 to 6 years old are FORBIDDEN to operate, unless both parents are frontliners or working in essential services.
Home care or rehabilitation centres of children, the disabled (OKU), senior citizens, women and other care facilities are ALLOWED to operate, subject to the SOP.
Parents or guardians sending their children to childcare centres are allowed to transport them at full vehicle capacity. New!

Religion

Prayer activities are ALLOWED for individuals who are fully-vaccinated, subject to the rules and SOP of the state Islamic religious authority.
Islamic wedding ceremony (akad nikah) is ALLOWED only in the Islamic Religious Office / Department with the attendance capacity set by the State Religious Authority.
Prayer activities are ALLOWED for individuals who are fully-vaccinated, subject to the rules and SOP of the Ministry of National Unity (KPN).
Non-Muslim marriage registrations are allowed at the National Registration Department (JPN), houses of worship and religious associations, subject to limits set by JPN.
Burial activities are allowed according to limits set by the State Religion Authority (Islam) or the National Unity Ministry (Non-Muslim).

Sports + Recreation

Individual sports and recreational activities without physical contact in open spaces are LIMITED to jogging, cycling, individual games and exercise (like skateboarding, inline skating and so on), without involving sports or recreational facilities, with physical distancing of 2-3 metres within the neighbourhood, from 7 AM until 8 PM.
The operation of open public parks are subject to the local authorities. New!
The operation of all indoor sports and recreational facilities is LIMITED to critical management duties (finance, maintenance and so on), up to 30% of worker capacity including management and operations. New!
Centralised training programs, including closed quarantined competitions using Camp Based Training are ALLOWED.
Centralised training programs with quarantine by State Sports Councils using Camp Based Training are ALLOWED.
Centralised training programs including quarantined training competitions for teams in the Malaysian Football League (MFL) using Camp Based Training are ALLOWED.
Malaysian Football League matches are ALLOWED based on the closed Sports Bubble model, without spectators or supporters.
Picnic and camping activity for individuals who are not fully vaccinated is FORBIDDEN. New!

Creative Industry

Development and broadcasting of creative content through recording or live broadcasts including animation, filming, drama, promotions, sitcoms and the like, including dance, art activities theatre, musical arts, cultural and heritage performances as well as the music are FORBIDDEN, except for individual discussions and live-streaming.
Recording and live broadcasts of programmes to convey information (other than entertainment) like news, forum, interviews are ALLOWED.

NRP Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : Essential Services

Essential Services Allowed To Operate In Phase 1 Areas

Food and beverages, including for animals
Healthcare and medical services, including dietary supplements, veterinarian services, etc.
Water supply
Energy supply
Security and safety, defence, emergency, social and humanitarian services
Waste disposal and public sanitisation and sewerage
Land, water and air transportation
Port, shipyard, airport services and operations, including loading, unloading, cargo handling and piloting, storage or transportation of commodities
Communications including media, telecommunications and Internet, post and courier, as well as broadcasting (for the purpose of conveying information, news and the like.
Banking, insurance, takaful and capital markets (60% capacity)
Community credit and pawn shops
E-commerce and information technology
Production, distillation, storage, supply and distribution of fuels and lubricants
Hotels and accommodation (only for quarantine purposes, segregation, employment for essential services and not for tourism).
Critical construction, maintenance and repair
Forestry services (limited to enforcement) and wildlife
Legislative and judiciary.
Lawyers and commissioners of oaths
Accounting services
Professional services and consultants (subject to the Professional Body’s regulatory authority)
Logistics limited to delivery of essential services

Essential Services According To Sector

All industries are FORBIDDEN, except for the following sectors :

Manufacturing (60% employee capacity)

Aerospace (components and maintenance, repair and overhaul – MRO)
Food and beverage
Packaging and printing materials, only related to food and health
Personal care and cleaning products
Healthcare and medical medicine
Personal care items, personal protective equipment (PPE), including rubber gloves and fire safety equipment
Components for medical devices.
Electrical and electronics of global economic chain importance
Oil and gas, including petrochemicals and petrochemical products
Machinery and equipment for health and food products
Textiles for PPE production only
Production, distillation, storage, supply and distribution of fuels and lubricants

Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Plantation and Commodities (“optimal” employee capacity)

Agriculture, fisheries and livestock and their supply chains
Plantations and commodities (oil palm, rubber, pepper and cocoa)

Construction

Critical maintenance and repair works
Public infrastructure construction works
Building construction works that provide complete employee accommodation at construction sites, or workers that are housed in Centralised Workers Quarters (CLQ).
Construction works carried out by G1, G2, G3 and G4 contractors.
Individual home renovation works
Government funded project works
Land investigation works
Professionals / consultants involved in permitted construction works
Services in the supply chain for permitted construction works

Trade + Distribution (Without Vaccination)

Shopping malls must be CLOSED, except for supermarkets, hypermarkets and departmental stores INCLUDING all listed essential services.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets
Departmental store, EXCEPT clothes, decorations, cosmetics and children toys
Pharmacies, self-care stores, convenience stores and mini marts.
Restaurants
Laundry services, including self-service laundromats
Pet care and pet food stores
Eyewear and optical goods stores
Hardware stores
E-commerce – all product categories
Wholesale and distribution – for all essential products only
Vehicle workshops, maintenance and spare parts
Other specialty retail store (petrol stations)
Bookstores and stationery shops
Computer shops and telecommunications

Trade + Distribution (For Fully-Vaccinated)

Allowed in Phase 1 states that have fully-vaccinated 50% of their adult populations. Customers must be fully-vaccinated.

Car wash
Electric and electronic shop
House and kitchen appliance shop
Furniture shop
Sporting goods shop
Car accessories shop
Car sales and distribution
Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
Jewellery shop
Barber and hair / beauty saloons (basic hair-cutting services only)

National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : NEGATIVE LIST

These activities are FORBIDDEN under the National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP.

Spa, reflexology, massage, wellness, beauty, barber and hair saloons, pedicure and manicure
Cybercafes and cybercenters
Driving schools, maritime training centres, flight schools
Photography activities
Gambling, horse racing and casinos
Factory manufacturing alcoholic beverages, and shops selling alcoholic beverages
Official and unofficial public and private events
Social events like feasts, festivals, weddings, engagements, receptions, aqiqah ceremonies, tahlil, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, retreats and other social events.
Receiving guests or visitors at home, except in emergencies or for delivery services.
Seminars, workshops, courses, training, conferences, exhibitions, lectures and all MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) events that are face-to-face.

Tourist attractions like zoos, farms, aquariums, edutainment centres, extreme parks, adventure parks, nature parks, etc.
Souvenir and craft shops, culture and historical premises like museums, libraries, art galleries, native art and culture, stage performance, etc.
Theme parks, family entertainment centres, indoor playgrounds, karaoke, etc.
Interdistrict and interstate tourism
Overseas travel by citizens, and local travel involving foreigners entering Malaysia.
Sports and recreation that involve groups or physical contact.
All indoor sports and recreation activities. Updated!
Spectators and supporters are sports and recreational venues. New!
International or local championships, competitions, and matches, EXCEPT those organised by the National Sports Council and training matches for teams under the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
Sports or recreational activities that cross district and state lines, EXCEPT with police permission.
Hotel lounge performances
Indoor or outdoor busking (except in PPV – vaccination centres)
Night club or pub activities.
Cinema activities.
Indoor and outdoor filming
Any activity that involves many people gathering in one place until it is hard to maintain physical distancing, and compliance with the Director General of Health’s orders.
Any other matter that may be decided by the Government from time to time.

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DHL eCommerce Central Hub Temporarily Suspended!

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DHL eCommerce had to close their Central Hub in Selangor, and it remains suspended today!

Find out what’s going on, and the impact on your parcel deliveries!

DHL eCommerce Central Hub Temporarily Suspended!

On 13 August 2021, DHL eCommerce announced that they were ordered by the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) to temporarily close their Central Hub in Selangor.

They did not disclose whether it had anything to do with rumours of COVID-19 cases involving their delivery or sorting personnel, only that it was for “further assessment & discussion“, following “precautionary checks done by KKM in the area“.

As of Monday, 16 August 2021, the DHL eCommerce has not announced when their Central Hub in Selangor, which remains closed, will reopen.

Impact Of DHL eCommerce Central Hub Closure

DHL suspended collection of new parcels since 14 August 2021, but said that existing parcels in their network will be delivered.

However, it is unknown if they are also referring to parcels at their Central Hub (which is now closed), or merely parcels already distributed to their regional hubs.

This is reminiscent of when the Shopee warehouse was similarly closed “to implement new SOPs“.

At that time, the Shopee warehouse was closed for 10 days – the minimum days required for a home quarantine of confirmed or suspect COVID-19 cases.

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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More Privileges For Fully-Vaccinated In Malaysia!

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Malaysia just announced more privileges for those who are fully-vaccinated!

Here is what you need to know!

Fully-Vaccinated In Malaysia : Do YOU Qualify?

On 8 August 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin announced a slew of travel and quarantine privileges for those who are fully vaccinated.

This was followed by another announcement on 15 August 2021 of more social and business privileges for fully-vaccinated!

But to qualify for these privileges, you must be fully-vaccinated according to these requirements :

More than 14 days after receiving both doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinovac vaccine.
More than 28 days after receiving a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson or Cansino vaccine.

In addition, these privileges apply to all states that have achieved adult vaccination of at least 50%.

For example, the Klang Valley achieved an adult vaccination rate of 64.7% on 14 August 2021, and therefore all fully-vaccinated adults in the Klang Valley can enjoy these privileges.

More Privileges For Fully-Vaccinated In Malaysia!

Here are the additional privileges that the Prime Minister announced for those who are fully vaccinated in Malaysia.

These privileges will kick off on Monday, 16 August 2021.

More Businesses Can Reopen In PPN Phase 1

These businesses are allowed to reopen in PPN Phase 1 areas, for customers who are fully-vaccinated.

Car wash
Electric and electronic shop
Shops selling kitchen and home appliances and goods
Furniture shop
Sports equipment shop
Car accessory shop
Car distribution and sale centre
Morning market and farmer market only
Clothes, fashion and accessories shop
Jewelry shop
Barber and beauty saloon (basic hair cutting services only)

Premise owners must :

provide a MySejahtera QR code, manual logbook, hand sanitiser and temperature scanner
ensure that those with body temperature of 37.5°C are not allowed to enter
ensure that everyone must check in using MySejahtera or the manual logbook
ensure that everyone wears a face mask, and maintain physical distancing
ensure that only those who have a valid digital certificate showing ful COVID-19 vaccination are allowed to enter.
ensure that gloves are worn (by employees), and contact time between workers and clients are limited
ensure that fitting rooms are not allowed to be used

More Businesses Can Reopen In PPN Phase 2

These businesses are allowed to reopen in PPN Phase 2 areas, for customers who are fully-vaccinated.

Premise owners must ensure that only those who have a valid digital certificate showing ful COVID-19 vaccination are allowed to enter.

Camera shop and photography services
Preloved (second-hand) shop
Flower shop and nursery
Shop selling antiquities
Toy shop
Carpet shop
Creative content and equipment shop
Outdoor equipment shop (including camping, fishing, and other outdoor tools)
Cosmetic, skin care and perfume shop
Tobacco shop (including vape and electronic cigarettes)

Premise owners must :

provide a MySejahtera QR code, manual logbook, hand sanitiser and temperature scanner
ensure that those with body temperature of 37.5°C are not allowed to enter
ensure that everyone must check in using MySejahtera or the manual logbook
ensure that everyone wears a face mask, and maintain physical distancing
ensure that only those who have a valid digital certificate showing ful COVID-19 vaccination are allowed to enter.
ensure that gloves are worn (by employees), and contact time between workers and clients are limited
ensure that fitting rooms are not allowed to be used

Manufacturing, Construction (All Phases)

Non-essential activities in the manufacturing and construction industries will be allowed in all PPN Phases, starting Monday, 16 August 2021.

In addition, fully-vaccinated people working in these industries will be allowed to travel interstate, even crossing into other PPN phases.

The worker capacity for these industries will be based on their employee’s vaccination status :

Vaccination Rate	Operational Capacity
80% to 100%	100%
60% to 79%	80%
40% to 59%	60%

Note : Business owners must conduct antigen RTK tests on their workers, every two weeks, at their own expense.

Mining + Quarrying (All Phases)

Non-essential activities in the mining and quarrying industries will be allowed in all PPN Phases, starting Monday, 16 August 2021.

In addition, fully-vaccinated people working in these industries will be allowed to travel interstate, even crossing into other PPN phases.

The worker capacity for these industries will be based on their employee’s vaccination status :

Vaccination Rate	Operational Capacity
80% to 100%	100%
60% to 79%	80%

Note : Business owners must conduct antigen RTK tests on their workers, every two weeks, at their own expense.

Earlier Privileges For Fully-Vaccinated In Malaysia!

Here is a quick recap of earlier privileges that were announced for fully-vaccinated people in Malaysia :

International travellers who are Malaysian residents or foreigners with homes in Malaysia can undergo home quarantine
Long-distance couples can travel to meet each other
Parents can travel to visit their children who are under 18 years of age
Prayers in religious houses of worship are allowed
Inter-district travel is permitted in PPN Phase 2, 3 and 4 areas
Dining in is permitted in PPN Phase 2, 3 and 4 areas
Tourism is allowed within the same same in PPN Phase 2, 3 and 4 areas

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Malaysia National Recovery Plan : 8 August 2021 Edition!

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Here are the latest updates on the Malaysia National Recovery Plan, that MKN announced!

Updated @ 2021-08-08 : Added new Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 details.

Updated @ 2021-07-20 : Added new Phase 1 and Phase 2 details.
Updated @ 2021-07-09 : Added new Phase 1 and Phase 2 details.
Updated @ 2021-07-04 : Added new Phase 2 details.
Originally posted @ 2021-06-27

Malaysia National Recovery Plan : New Criteria

On 15 June 2021, the Malaysia National Security Council (MKN) announced the National Recovery Plan with four phases, which was updated on 5 July 2021.

This was further amended with a new criteria on 7 August 2021.

Phase 1

Most stringent movement control restrictions
Only essential services and industries allowed

Phase 2

Before achieving 50% adult vaccinations :

Must meet these requirements (nationally) :
– average daily new COVID-19 cases must be <4,000
– moderate healthcare system / ICU capacity
– 10% population vaccinated with second dose
Must meet these requirements (by state) :
– new cases averaging less than 12.2 cases per 100,000
– moderate ICU use capacity
– 10% population vaccinated with second dose

After achieving 50% adult vaccinations :

Must meet these requirements (nationally) :
– new daily Category 3, 4 and 5 hospitalisations averaging <2,000
– moderate healthcare system / ICU capacity
Must meet these requirements (by state) :
– new daily Category 3, 4 and 5 hospitalisations averaging < 6.1 cases per 100,000
– moderate ICU use capacity

Phase 3

Before achieving 50% adult vaccinations, states must meet these requirements :

average daily new COVID-19 cases must be <2,000
comfortable healthcare system / ICU capacity
40% population vaccinated with second dose

After achieving 50% adult vaccinations, states must meet these requirements :

new daily Category 3, 4 and 5 hospitalisations averaging < 3.0 cases per 100,000
comfortable healthcare system / ICU capacity

Phase 4

States must meet these requirements before they can transition to Phase 4 :

new daily Category 3, 4 and 5 hospitalisations averaging < 1.3 cases per 100,000
safe healthcare system / ICU capacity
60% population vaccinated with second dose

Malaysia COVID-19 Recovery Plan : Phase 1 Updates

On 6 July 2021, MKN announced that busking is now allowed in vaccination centres, and supermarkets and departmental stores can fully open up.

On 19 July 2021, MKN announced these changes :

Up to 40% of public servants can now work in the office
Accounting services are now ALLOWED, with a maximum employee capacity of 60%.
Daily and public markets are now allowed to operate from 6 AM until 4 PM, subject to local authorities and SOP, with monitoring by RELA or civil defence.
Controlled Fresh Produce Market (PST) is allowed to operate from 7 AM until 2 PM.
Cycling and individual sports with physical distancing of 2-3 metres are ALLOWED in the neighbourhood.
Ports, airports and the logistics sector can operate 24 hours.
Mining and quarrying activities are allowed with up to 60% worker capacity.

On 16 July 2021, the government announced that G1, G2, G3 and G4 contractors can resume construction work.

On 3 August 2021, MKN announced that :

residential renovations can begin / resume in Phase 1 areas.
supply of cement and its logistics are now allowed
individual sports and recreational activities are now allowed within the neighbourhood from 7 AM until 8 PM.
critical interviews are allowed, either face-to-face, or online

For the latest Phase 1 SOP, please see National Recovery Plan Phase 1 SOP : 3 August 2021 Edition!

Malaysia COVID-19 Recovery Plan : Phase 2 Updates

On 27 June 2021, MKN announced details for Phase 2 of the National COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

On 3 July 2021, MKN announced that five states met the requirements to transition to Phase 2 – Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. They also announced more updates to Phase 2.

On 5 July 2021, MKN announced that Penang met the requirements to transition to Phase 2.

On 6 July 2021, MKN announced that busking is now allowed in vaccination centres.

On 8 July 2021, MKN announced that Sabah met the requirements to transition to Phase 2.

On 19 July 2021, MKN announced these changes :

out-of-studio filming is ALLOWED subject to strict SOP
business premises can now open from 6 AM to 10 PM, including specialty stores (petrol stations).

On 3 August 2021, MKN announced these changes :

Up to 60% of public servants can now work in the office
Critical interviews are now allowed, either face-to-face, or online
Individual sports and recreational activities are now allowed within 10 km from your residence, from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Construction industry is now an essential service in Phase 2 areas.
Maintenance and repair works are allowed to proceed.
Road and highway construction work are allowed to proceed.

For the latest Phase 2 SOP, please see National Recovery Plan Phase 2 SOP : 3 August 2021 Edition!

Malaysia COVID-19 Recovery Plan : Phase 3 Updates

On 27 June 2021, the MKN announced these details for Phase 3 of the National COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

What Business Can Reopen In Phase 3

In Phase 3, all economic activities are allowed to resume, EXCEPT for high-risk activities in the negative list, like :

Spa
Pedicure and manicure
Pub and night club

Beauty saloons are ALLOWED to operate, subject to strict SOP.

Creative industry are ALLOWED in Phase 3, for example – live events without spectators.

Travel Restrictions

Inter-district travel is ALLOWED, but interstate travel is FORBIDDEN.

Up to three (3) people are allowed (including the driver) in public and private vehicles like taxi and e-hailing rides and personal vehicles.

Dining-In

Dining-in at restaurants is ALLOWED, but limited to two (2) persons per table, with physical distancing.

Education

The reopening of the education section, including schools, public and private institutes of higher learning, training institutes and other educational institutes under the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing and Local Government and Ministry of Rural Development and other agencies are to be determined by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education as well as the Ministry of Health.

Social Activities

Social activities are FORBIDDEN in Phase 3.

However, people will be ALLOWED to receive up to ten (10) guests or visitors at their homes at any one time.

Tourism

Tourism is ALLOWED only within the state.

The reopening of tourist attractions will be subject to risk assessments, and tight SOP.

On 4 August 2021, Perlis, Sarawak and Labuan were upgraded to Phase 3, based on this new SOP.

For the latest Phase 3 SOP, please see National Recovery Plan Phase 3 SOP : 4 August 2021 Edition!

Malaysia COVID-19 Recovery Plan : Phase 4 Updates

On 27 June 2021, the MKN announced these details for Phase 4 of the National COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

Phase 4 is when almost all economic and social sectors will be ALLOWED to reopen completely, subject to the existing SOP.

This is also when interstate travel will be permitted.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Perlis, Sarawak, Labuan Upgraded To PPN Phase 3!

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Perlis, Sarawak and Labuan have just been upgraded to Phase 3 of Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan (PPN)!

Here is what we know so far!

Perlis, Sarawak, Labuan Upgraded To PPN Phase 3!

On 2 August 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin, announced that Perlis, Sarawak and Labuan will be upgraded to Phase 3 of Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan (PPN) on Wednesday, 4 August 2021.

The announcement was brief and had no other details, but based on previous announcements, states must meet these requirements to qualify for Phase 3 :

average daily new COVID-19 cases must be <2,000
comfortable healthcare system / ICU capacity
40% population vaccinated with second dose

Perlis, Sarawak, Labuan Phase 3 : SOP Differences?

The government has not released any details of Phase 3 SOP, but it should be more liberalised than the current Phase 2 SOP.

All economic sectors (except high risk activities) allowed to operate
Industries with fully vaccinated staff can operate at full capacity
Education, sports, and some social activities can resume.

On 27 June 2021, the MKN announced these details for Phase 3 of the National COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

What Business Can Reopen In Phase 3

In Phase 3, all economic activities are allowed to resume, EXCEPT for high-risk activities in the negative list, like :

Spa
Pedicure and manicure
Pub and night club

Beauty saloons are ALLOWED to operate, subject to strict SOP.

Creative industry are ALLOWED in Phase 3, for example – live events without spectators.

Travel Restrictions

Inter-district travel is ALLOWED, but interstate travel is FORBIDDEN.

Up to three (3) people are allowed (including the driver) in public and private vehicles like taxi and e-hailing rides and personal vehicles.

Dining-In

Dining-in at restaurants is ALLOWED, but limited to two (2) persons per table, with physical distancing.

Education

Social Activities

Social activities are FORBIDDEN in Phase 3.

However, people will be ALLOWED to receive up to ten (10) guests or visitors at their homes at any one time.

Tourism

Tourism is ALLOWED only within the state.

The reopening of tourist attractions will be subject to risk assessments, and tight SOP.

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Name : Adrian Wong

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Yoodo 3rd Anniversary Announcements!

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Yoodo – the 100% digital mobile service – just celebrated their 3rd anniversary, with some announcements!

Yoodo Celebrates 3rd Anniversary!

Yoodo – a Celcom brand – started three years ago in 2018, growing from a young start-up to becoming the only digital telco in the market to offer users the option to cherry pick and pay for what they need in a mobile plan.

According to Chow Tuck Min, Head of Yoodo, over the last 3 years, Yoodo became the dominant telco in esports, sponsoring the PUBG Mobile National Championship and even signing on two esports teams – Yoodo RSG MLBB and Yoodo RSG CODM.

Goodo also sponsored the Malaysian Premier Futsal League (MPFL), and supported local musicians and indie bands through events like Yoodo Presents and Punkrock Picnic.

Yoodo 3rd Anniversary Announcements!

In conduction with their 3rd Anniversary, Yoodo shared these announcements :

TikTok Around The Clock With Yoodo

From now until 31 December 2021, Yoodo users can purchase the new TikTok Add-On for only RM1, after which it will be priced at RM10.

This TikTok Add-On allows users to stream, create and share up to 20GB of TikTok videos.

Mobile Legends : Bang Bang Diamonds Galore

From now until 17 August 2021, Yoodo users can purchase the Mobile Legends : Bang Bang Add-On for only RM1, after which it will retail for RM5.

This Add-On comes with 20GB of Mobile Legends : Bang Bang data, as well as 1,000 in-game diamonds!

Connectivity On-The-Go

Yoodo is partnering with BHP and Petronas to offer their Yoodo SIM packs at only RM3 throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

The SIM Pack are also available at 10 Celcom Bluecube outlets in Mid Valley Megamall, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, AEON Bukit Tinggi, Laman Seri, Sunway Pyramid, NU Sentral, Prima Sri Gombak, Bandar Baru Klang, IOI Mall and Kajang.

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