Improve by April 10, or else…

Will we see a third phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO)? It all depends on how we do in the next week.

In other coronavirus-related news, a PM, a former PM and a man who looks like he will never be PM all made their presence felt; AirAsia appears to be in big trouble financially; and, two senior ministers will head a special committee that will look into how to best balance economic priorities and the need to enforce the MCO. Oh, and we have a new special envoy to the Middle East.

A short leash gets shorter

We were told there would be stricter regulations during the second phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO). Yesterday, we discovered that those of us under the order would only be allowed to travel a certain distance from our homes.

Meanwhile, the debate over whether Ramadan bazaars should be allowed to go on heated up, with Malaysians starting an online petition against it and various groups and individuals saying nay as well. And, surprise, surprise, PM8 Maddey Mohamad lent some support to the gomen’s efforts by saying the nation’s economy will eventually recover.

Remember how we said yesterday that it’s been a year since we launched? Well, if anybody is curious about what our first newsletter was like, check it out here. Feels like a lifetime ago!

Say hello to the Ministries of Sexism and Stupidity

Two ministries caused a lot of concern yesterday. One took us back to the Stone Age by advising women to, basically, please their men during these trying times, while another wanted Ramadan bazaars to continue despite the inherent risks posed by Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the numbers continue to rise as six more people died of Covid-19 yesterday, while efforts are still ongoing to trace 87 participants of the Sulawesi tabligh now considered “high risk”.

And lastly – would you believe that today marks the first anniversary of our little newsletter? We’ve gone from a small batch of 30 people to over a thousand subscribers today and we just want to say thanks to each and every one of you for being with us on this journey.

Stricter MCO rules from April 1

It’s not a lockdown. However, you can expect the next two weeks of the Movement Control Order to be tougher now that new restrictions are being introduced.

In other news, Malaysia records the most Covid-19 recoveries in a day even as another location – a condominium – is placed under enhanced movement control.

How good is Moo’s stimulus package?

PM Muhyiddin promised a stimulus plan for all Malaysians, and for the most part, that’s exactly what he seems to have delivered. But do we have enough money to stimulate the economy to the tune of RM250 billion?

Elsewhere, Hulu Langat gets locked down, while Malaysia registers a bunch of unwanted records as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to go up and up.

Kluang on ‘lockdown’ as shit hits the fan

Two areas in Kluang in Johor have been placed under “enhanced” movement control order (MCO) after the district was found to have 83 Covid-19 cases, with 61 coming from the two residential areas alone.

Meanwhile, four more people have died and 235 more people tested positive for the coronavirus, the highest number of new cases so far, and new, stricter guidelines for the MCO will be announced tomorrow.

Also, as Muhyiddin Yassin will be announcing a new economic stimulus package in connection with Covid-19 today, we look at some of the things our PM8 and his cohort will have to consider.

Lastly, yes, we live in dire times. But that’s all the more reason to, as Monty Python said, always look on the bright side of life. And with that in mind, we have a cheeky treat for you. Here’s a playlist of some famous tunes that have had their lyrics changed coz of the coronavirus crisis. Listen, smile, and remember to always WASH YOUR HANDS!

MCO extended as deaths pile up

The movement control order (MCO) has been extended and we’ll all be stuck at home till April 14, at the very least. It’s a necessary move, but also one that will hammer our economy and cause the loss of 2.4 million jobs.

Meanwhile, the country saw its deadliest day yesterday with five Covid-19 patients dying, bringing the total death toll to 20. And the worst may yet to be as the Health Ministry confirmed what a research house had said previously – that there’s the possibility the infection rate could peak next month at 6,000 cases or more.

And this is a crucial PSA: Blood bank supplies are dwindling. The National Blood Centre is appealing for donors to come forward and replenish supplies. It has also released a list of dos and don’ts for blood donation during the pandemic. Come on, folks. Let’s do what we can! Also, please forward this email via Whatsapp or social media so more people are aware of the blood shortage.

Also, we hope you guys are coping as well as can be expected with Covid-19 and the MCO. Drop us an email to let us know how you’re keeping yourselves from going nuts at home (we could use the advice!). But most importantly: stay safe, stay strong.

An air of inevitability

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Malaysia dropped yesterday but was still in the triple-digit rates, while compliance rates to the movement control order (MCO) stood at 95%. But is this enough for the MCO to be lifted at the end of the current period, or is it inevitable that it will be extended? More importantly, should the government announce an extension now if it does look inevitable?

Meanwhile, we look at all the good things Malaysians have been doing to help others in need, which truly warms the heart, and how those good feels were spoilt somewhat by a case of misreporting.

And finally, yesterday, we had a link to a YouTube video about Italian mayors going ballistic over people not listening to Covid-19 social distancing orders. Sadly that video had been put to private, depriving you of some truly epic rants. But we managed to find another version, so here you go. Enjoy!

The govt’s measures are no measures at all

Pockets have been hit hard by Covid-19 and the Movement Control Order. And shockingly, the government now wants workers to dip into their own savings to deal with the loss of revenue.

Elsewhere, Malaysia registers a record increase of Covid-19 cases and sees many more deaths.

Lastly, if all this social distancing is making you miss your fellow humans, you may want to head over to Twitter. Yes, we know it can be full of horrible nonsense sometimes, but it also has Juan Mata’s sweetness, Jim Carrey’s weirdness, Patrick Stewart’s artsiness, random time-wasting games, music playlist suggestions and just delightfully weird humour. Enjoy.

Soldiers on the streets

The army’s been called in to enforce the Movement Control Order. Sadly, there wasn’t much that Malaysians knew about the move until the boots actually hit the ground. But should we really have expected better communication, considering that the government’s comms with regard the MCO have been lousy from Day 1?

Meanwhile, we now have 10 deaths and a total of 1,306 Covid-19 infections in the country. Sad times indeed.

And lastly, if you’re like us and going stir-crazy sitting at home, maybe you might want to try the #DudukRumahChallenge. Or if you’re running out of ideas about what to cook, here are some recipes (some are non-halal) you could try.