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SINGAPORE: It is now compulsory for taxi drivers to print out receipts for street-hail passengers, regardless of whether the passengers requested for one. In response to CNA's queries on Saturday (Jun 13), the Land and Transport Authority (LTA) said the measure "facilitates contact tracing effort when the need arises". READ: ComfortDelGro trials plastic shields in 400 taxis to curb COVID-19 spread The rule, which took effect on Thursday, also complements the installation of SafeEntry QR codes in taxis - especially for passengers who may not be able to scan the QR codes, said the authority. Taxi drivers who are caught flouting the rule face a fine of S$50. "This requirement to issue receipts is not new," said LTA, adding that it had worked with taxi operators to instruct drivers to do so since April 2020. "If there is feedback on drivers who do not comply, LTA will investigate based on the circumstances of each case." READ: From taxi driver to transport ambassador: … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Mandatory for taxi drivers to print receipts for street-hail passengers, says LTA

SINGAPORE: ComfortDelGro will install plastic shields in 400 taxis in a trial that aims to minimise contact between cabbies and passengers, reducing the spread of COVID-19, said the firm on Wednesday (May 20). Dubbed the V-shield, it covers the driver's cabin entirely and is locally made using "an unbreakable material", said ComfortDelGro in a media release, adding that the shield also serves as added protection against "violent physical harm". Installation of the shields has begun and the taxi operator will continue to roll them out in 50 taxis every week. It said the shield will be extended to more taxis if the trial is successful. READ: From taxi driver to transport ambassador: How Singapore’s cabbies are navigating the COVID-19 downturn READ: SMRT extends full rental waiver for taxis to help 'cushion financial impact' of prolonged circuit breaker The shield, which measures 1m by 0.7m by 0.6m, has two window openings to enable cash transaction, according to … [Read more...] about ComfortDelGro trials plastic shields in 400 taxis to curb COVID-19 spread

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has announced an economic stimulus package worth RM250 billion (US$58 billion) on Friday (Mar 27) to weather the impact of COVID-19. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a televised address that the stimulus package comprises special allowances for healthcare providers, one-off cash aid and microcredit scheme for small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), among others. Of the total, RM128 billion will be spent on public welfare, RM100 billion will be used to support businesses, while RM2 billion will be used to strengthen the country's economy, he added. The remaining included the RM20 billion economic stimulus package announced by then interim prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Feb 27. "We are a nation at war with invisible forces. The situation we are now facing is unprecedented in history. And, this government may not be the government that you voted for. But I want all of you to know that this government cares for you," Mr Muhyiddin said, … [Read more...] about Malaysia unveils RM250 billion economic stimulus package as COVID-19 cases surge

SINGAPORE: I recall growing up as a kid chatting on bulletin boards via a 24k modem dial-up, the connection breaking whenever someone tried to call the home phone. Youth of today must think of all this as belonging to the technological stone age. But as kids, those were care-free days, too. We weren’t preoccupied with bugging our parents for tablets or mobile phones. We would cycle for hours on end, without luminous vests, lights or helmets, or our parents being worried about traffic. CHANGING SOCIAL NORMS My parents used to reminisce about the good old days when if they got into an accident, other motorists were more likely then than now to stop to render assistance and offer to be a witness. That social norm to bear witness seems today to have been replaced by the ubiquitous camera. How that wretched little device has changed lives. I can count the instances I have captured the moments in my children’s lives instead of living it with them. Look, I have the … [Read more...] about Commentary: The ubiquity of cameras and social media fuels unhealthy mob behaviours

BEIJING: China is stepping up measures to control a coronavirus outbreak that has affected about 2,000 people and killed more than 50 . The virus, which affects the respiratory system, was first reported in the city of Wuhan, in Hubei province. It caused global concern due to its similarity to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed hundreds in mainland China and Hong Kong from 2002 to 2003. Here's what China has been doing as it struggles to contain the virus that has spread within the country and overseas. READ: Wuhan virus death toll surpasses 50 in China, more than 300 new cases CITIES SHUT DOWN, TRANSPORT SUSPENDED Thirteen cities have been quarantined in an attempt to contain the virus. Transport such as trains, buses and passenger boats were halted from leaving and entering Wuhan as the city was placed under effective lockdown. Those already on their way have been ordered to return to their starting points. READ: China halts flights … [Read more...] about Wuhan virus: What’s China doing to contain the outbreak?