COVID-19 cases, deaths surge in Southeast Asian nations

Malaysia on April 5 confirmed 179 new patients of the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), bringing the total number in the country to 3,662.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, the Southeast Asian country recorded four more deaths, raising the death toll to 61.

Malaysian people have been asked to cooperate and be honest with authorities if they have contact with infected persons, or attend highly contagious events.

In Indonesia, the death toll from the COVID-19 climbed to 198 on the same day.

At a COVID-19 treatment facility in the Philippines (Photop: Xinhua/VNA)
At a COVID-19 treatment facility in the Philippines (Photop: Xinhua/VNA)

According to spokesman of the Indonesian government Achmad Yurianto, the country has so far recorded a total of 2,273 COVID-19 patients, including 164 those have recovered from the disease.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has declared a national public health emergency over the pandemic. Local authorities have been conducting rapid tests in areas where cases were detected, and urging the public to always wear face masks in a bid to contain the spread of the disease.

On the same day, the Singaporean Ministry of Health confirmed 120 new COVID-19 cases – the highest number reported in a day in the country.
So far, Singapore recorded 1,309 cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, including six deaths.

The Singaporean government has decided to close most workplaces from April 7 and schools from April 8, to prevent the epidemic from spreading in the community.

Accordingly, except for key economic sectors and essential services - such as food establishments, markets and supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport and key banking services - all other work premises will close.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ministry of Health has reported 152 new COVID-19 cases and eight more deaths, bringing the total number of cases and deaths in the country to 3,246 and 152, respectively.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Van affirmed Vietnam’s support for the UNESCO80 reform roadmap, focusing on the organisation’s core mandate, priority areas, interdisciplinary approach, and the special status of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and UNESCO representative offices, alongside efforts to diversify resources and strengthen global partnerships to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness.

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Under General Secretary and President Lam’s leadership, Vietnam is expected to maintain a balanced foreign policy, strengthen its regional standing and accelerate economic development, thereby improving living standards and creating new opportunities for international investors, according to the India-based platform Devdiscourse.

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos will step up agricultural production to ensure food security, meet domestic demand and expand exports; encourage the development of agro-processing industries, including those related to rubber, aquatic products, cassava and sugarcane, as well as fertiliser and animal feed production, in order to increase added value and create jobs in rural areas.

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

To ensure accountability, Malaysia plans to finalise the Cybercrime Bill this year which addresses both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled offences, introducing stricter penalties and prison terms to enhance deterrence.

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

Public opinion in the US is generally positive about Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to the US from September 17-23 to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which took place immediately after the upgrading of the Vietnam - US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam.