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KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Health Ministry has proposed that interstate travel be postponed for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, as daily COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Speaking after a ministry event on Thursday (Apr 15), Health Minister Adham Baba said the proposal to put off approval for interstate travel was due to two reasons. “One, there are new variants of COVID-19 in the community. Two, the vaccination programme is still ongoing, so we need to control the situation,” he said. He noted that many parties have appealed to the government to permit interstate travel for this major festival. On whether exceptions could be made for those who have completed their vaccination, Dr Adham said the ministry was still waiting for findings from the World Health Organisation and the US' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If the ministry’s proposal to halt cross-state travel for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations is accepted, this will be the second year ... » Learn More about Malaysian Health Ministry proposes that interstate travel be postponed for Hari Raya

NEW DELHI: After gifting and selling tens of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses abroad, India suddenly finds itself short of shots as new infections surge in the world's second-most populous country. India breached 200,000 daily infections for the first time on Thursday (Apr 15), and is trying to inoculate more of its population using domestically produced shots. Facing soaring cases and overflowing hospitals after lockdown restrictions were eased, it also abruptly changed the rules to allow it to fast-track vaccine imports, having earlier rebuffed foreign drugmakers like Pfizer. It will import Russia's Sputnik V vaccine starting this month to cover as many as 125 million people. The reversal in fortunes could hamper not only India's battle to contain the pandemic, but also vaccination campaigns in more than 60 poorer countries, mainly in Africa, for months. The COVAX programme, backed by the World Health Organization and Gavi vaccine alliance, aims at equitable vaccine ... » Learn More about India shifts from mass COVID-19 vaccine exporter to importer

Our verdict: 77 per cent Unit efficiency 3.5/5 Unit size 4/5 Quality of fittings 4/5 Design 3/5 Variety of facilities 4.5/5 Quality of facilities 4/5 Surrounding amenities 3.5/5 Developer 4.5/5 Transport links 3.5/5 Driving accessibility 4/5 Upkeep of property 4/5 Price point 3.5/5 The Crest offers buyers a chance to own a home in a central location while enjoying unblocked views, but it's not exactly the most affordable option out there. What we like What we don't like Big pool 11-min walk to mrt Good facilities Could do with more deck chairs Bigger than usual units Project: The Crest District: 03 Address: Prince Charles Crescent Tenure: 99-year Leasehold No. of Units: 469 Site Area: 256,026 sqft Developer: Wingcrown Investment Pte Ltd TOP: 2017 ‘Life peaks at the top’. Now that’s a slogan that befits The Crest in more ways than one. Before I go into greater detail ... » Learn More about The crest condo review: Giant pool + bigger than usual units

Senior citizens enjoy horse racing at the Royal Turf Club in Bangkok. Thailand is already an aged society, with people aged 60 or above set to account for 20% of the population this year. (Photo by Patipat Janthong) The Finance Ministry is growing concerned about slow economic growth prospects and higher inflationary pressure in the long term as Thailand transitions to an "aged" society. A ministry source who requested anonymity said the country's demographics are rapidly ageing, resulting from falling fertility rates and rising life expectancy. Having a larger proportion of the population made up of the elderly means fewer people in the workforce. The country has been what is termed an "aged" society since 2005, meaning 10% of the population is already 60 or older. The proportion of the population aged 60 or older is expected to reach 20% this year. Thailand's trajectory has it becoming a "super-aged" society in 2031, meaning 28% of the population will be 60 or older. ... » Learn More about An ageing conundrum

BANTING (Bernama): Activities at Ramadan bazaars will be more orderly and better organised with stricter compliance to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in five or six days with the involvement of local authority enforcement, says Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin. The Housing and Local Government Minister said local authorities only need to apply the existing SOP which is physical distancing and wearing face masks as issued by the Health Ministry (MOH). "These are the basic requirements for them (visitors and traders) to adhere to as regulations at Ramadan bazaars, ” she said in media conference after an official visit to the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) here Thursday (April 15). Zuraida admitted there were viral pictures of SOP non-compliance at Ramadan bazaars especially on physical distancing. "This is the first and second day and the people have just returned to Ramadan bazaars so some are just enthusiastic. I believe the situation will improve in five to six days. ... » Learn More about More orderly Ramadan bazaars expected in five or six days, says Zuraida

NEW YORK: Racial inequality has cost the US economy $16 trillion in wealth over the last two decades, Citigroup said in a report Thursday (Friday in Manila). The banking giant — pointing to the drag from unequal pay, housing discrimination, education disparity and other longstanding ills in the United States — simultaneously pledged $1 billion in initiatives for Black-oriented business needs. “Addressing racism and closing the racial wealth gap is the most critical challenge we face in creating a fair and inclusive society and we know that more of the same won’t do,” said Citigroup Chief Executive Michael Corbat in a press release. “Citi is committed to leading the way and investing in communities of color to build wealth and strong financial futures.” The glossy 104-page report, which features a photo of a fist-bump between a white and Black person on its cover, lays out a gamut of issues, including policing and voting rights. Its release come as US businesses face pressure to ... » Learn More about Racial inequality costs US $16T – Citi

The Democrat Party has unveiled its proposal for charter amendments which include the reinstatement of the 2007 electoral system. Ramet Rattanachaweng, Democrat Party spokesman, said the proposed amendments cover six issues and the bills will also be proposed to two coalition partners, the Bhumjaithai and the Chartthaipattana parties, for consideration before they are submitted to House Speaker Chuan Leekpai. The first issue involves the rights of people: rights to justice administration, land ownership rights, consumers' rights and community rights. Four sections are targeted in the amendment to ensure these rights are promoted and better protected. The second issue deals with the electoral system. The Democrat Party proposes a switch back to the election system endorsed in the 2007 charter in which voters use two ballots in a general election -- one for 400 constituency MPs and the other for 100 party-list MPs. According to Mr Ramet, the third issue involves the selection ... » Learn More about Dems unveil charter change plan

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeks to widen the investment opportunities available to sophisticated institutions, thereby deepening the capital market, by expanding the list of entities deemed as qualified buyers. This is by proposing amendments to the 2015 Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code. Qualified buyers are exempt from SEC registration requirement to purchase funds or securities locally or abroad. The assumption is they are familiar with a wide array of financial instruments, thus, the seller of unregistered securities or funds would not need to register with the SEC. Under the SEC’s proposal, registered securities dealers, accounts managed by a registered broker under a discretionary arrangement and registered investment companies such as mutual fund companies can be considered as qualified buyers. These are in addition to the current list, which includes banks, registered investment houses, insurance ... » Learn More about SEC wants longer list of ‘buyers’ to improve capital market

We’ve written about dining deals in Singapore, from afternoon high tea, dim sum buffets and all-you-can-eat meals. Now, we present to you the best steamboat buffets and promotions you can find on our sunny island Despite Singapore’s humid weather, hotpot and steamboat still remain a, um, hot favourite among Singaporeans, because it gives friends and families the opportunity to bond over good food. Besides, no self-respecting Asian would turn down a buffet filled with a wide variety of meat, fresh seafood, delicious broths and sauces! So if you’re looking for your next hotpot buffet sesh, we’ve got you covered with this list of steamboat restaurants in Singapore. How to save money when eating at buffets Save more money by not only using the best dining credit cards, but also taking advantage of Eatigo discounts, lunch pricing and birthday promotions. Pro tip: remember not to take more than you can eat as restaurants will charge you food wastage fees! Restaurant ... » Learn More about Best steamboat buffets: Cost and promotions

We've scoured the country to bring you the cheapest buffet deals in Singapore, but we're not stopping there. Here's another compilation for our Muslim readers, for whom finding halal food when eating out probably feels like a constant struggle. To lighten your load and add more variety to your dining options, we've rounded up a list of halal-friendly spots where you can get your buffet fix on the cheap. Whether you're craving for some Korean BBQ, Indonesian fare, or looking to dip your toes into Mongolian cuisine, we've got you covered. CHEAP YET DELICIOUS HALAL BUFFETS IN SINGAPORE Restaurant Address Price Kublai Khan International Buffet & Mongolian BBQ 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #02-01, Clarke Quay Central, Singapore 059817 From $18 per person Al Jasra 459 Changi Road, Singapore 419882 $7.90 per person Captain Kim Korean BBQ & Hotpot 300 Tampines Avenue 5, NTUC Income Tampines Junction #01-06, Singapore 529653 From $16.90 per ... » Learn More about 9 cheapest halal buffets from $7 in Singapore 2020