World

The Cambodian government on March 31 decided to give tax breaks for three months from March to May this year to aviation companies to help offset losses caused by COVID-19.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN, has called all concerned parties to continue pursuing dialogue and seeking long-term political solutions for the situation in Syria.

Cambodia’s government has considered allocating 500-600 million USD to banks and microfinance institutions, according to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The Philippines Ministry of Health on March 29 recorded 343 more people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the highest number in a day in the country, raising the total cases to 1,418 people, including 71 deaths.

A medical evacuation plane exploded during take-off in the Philippine capital of Manila on March 29, killing all eight people on board.

Indonesia and Malaysia have recorded a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases with more than 100 new patients confirmed in 24 hours as of March 28 noon.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) will shorten trading hours, starting March 30, as one among measures to reduce market volatility

Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia, erupted on March 27, spewing a column of ash of up to 5km high, forcing local authorities to issue a flight warning.

German newswire Deutsche Welle on March 26 ran an article hailing Vietnam’s effective and timely measures in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on March 25 decided to extend the movement control order (MCO) from March 31 to April 14, as new COVID-19 cases

Singapore announced on March 24 that it will close bars, cinemas and all other entertainment outlets from 11:59pm on March 26 till April 30 to curb the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

As COVID-19 concerns are growing, many countries in Asia have made stronger actions in efforts to contain the pandemic.