Coronavirus: Malaysia unveils fresh US$9.7 billion stimulus; Philippines extends curbs

Malaysia is seeing a surge in coronavirus infections, with the number of new daily cases greater than India’s on a per capita basis

Elsewhere, the Philippines’ extended restrictions until mid-June and Vietnam suspended inbound international flights

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People wait to receive a Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:04am, 1 Jun 2021Updated: 9:55pm, 1 Jun 2021

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday announced an additional 40 billion ringgit (US$9.7 billion) stimulus package, ahead of the imposition of stricter lockdown measures to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19.

The Southeast Asian nation is seeing a surge in coronavirus infections, with the number of new daily cases greater than India’s on a per-capita basis.

Malaysia saw record daily infections and deaths on Saturday, though the numbers have dipped since.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a televised address that catastrophe looms if the country’s health care system collapses. Photo: Bernama/DPA

The country entered a strict two-week lockdown starting on Tuesday, with only essential manufacturing and service sectors allowed to operate.

“If drastic action is not taken immediately, it is of concern that the health care system in our country will collapse and we will face a greater catastrophe,” Muhyiddin said in a televised address.

The new aid package includes a 5 billion ringgit fiscal injection, despite the government having limited fiscal space, he said.

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