Aviation regulator should play a role, MAB unlikely to go bankrupt

AVIATION regulator the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) needs to step up its game and play its role to assist affected airlines and industry players in weathering the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to an industry expert who wanted to remain anonymous, CAAM needs to sit down with industry players and deliberate where it can assist within the scope of its regulatory limits, considering the sector is grappling with a grim outlook on its operations and profitability.

“As the regulator, CAAM should be able to do many more things. It has to understand the pain airlines feel. (For example) Charges may be reduced during this period. Few technical exemptions, with risk assessment, may be granted.

“The industry did help CAAM during its difficult times, now it’s the regulator’s turn to help them,” he told Bernama.

Bursa pares down losses on mild bargain-hunting

BURSA Malaysia remained in negative territory at mid-day, but managed to pare down some of its losses following mild bargain-hunting in index-linked counters.

At 12.30pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 4.80 points to 1,275.83 from Monday’s close of 1,280.63.

After opening 63.35 points lower at 1,217.28 this morning, the benchmark index moved between 1,211.95 and 1,278.43 during the morning session.

Market breadth was negative as losers thumped gainers 707 to 232, with 232 counters unchanged, 845 not traded and 17 others suspended.

Turnover amounted to 2.68 billion shares worth RM1.95 bil.

Covid-19 : What the Movement Control Order means

PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced on March 16 a Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed under the Control of the Spread of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967, from March 18 to 31.

Prior to March 16, rumours of a lockdown have been floating around. After the MCO announcement, many people were confused as to what this means and how they are affected.

Essentially, MCO is actually a partial form of lockdown. While non-essential services are expected to close within the stipulated period, will the businesses abide by the order? What will be the penalty if one is found to have disregarded the order and continue to operate as usual?

So, what does the MCO mean?

What we should and shouldn’t do under restricted movement

We want to thank the government for putting in place some good and necessary measures to stem the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia. Many areas will require clarification over the next few days. We recognise that this is not a lockdown, as we can still move about, but an intensifying of social distancing and restrictions on movement are critical.

What we hope will happen now is that Malaysians will respond to these measures in a responsible way. Sadly, what we see is a lot of irresponsible behaviour by many Malaysians both individually and as groups. Right now, Covid-19 is no longer our main enemy but rather irresponsible, ignorant and disbelieving Malaysians who are spreading the virus far and wide.

There are some things that Malaysians must not do right now in the face of the closure of businesses, government departments and schools.

PN Bukan Kerajaan Pintu Belakang, Titah Sultan Selangor

SULTAN Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah bertitah, pembentukan kerajaan Perikatan Nasional (PN) bukan melalui pintu belakang ataupun rampasan kuasa.

Sebaliknya, titah baginda yang mengikuti rapat kemelut politik negara, PN telah dibentuk bagi menggantikan kerajaan Pakatan Harapan (PH).