Contato e-Newsletter Issue: 01/2020 (January - June 2020) #STAY AT HOME #STAY SAFE IN THIS ISSUE ASEAN Activity/Event. AOG Luncheon. Ambassador’s Engagement. Corona Virus Prime Minister’s Special Mes- sage on Covid-19. Mission and Consular Engage- ment. MFA’s Emergency Services. Many more... 1 FOREWORD “Ola a todos (Hello everyone)”, The only highlight for this issue was the visit to the state of Mato Grosso Do Sul by ASEAN Ambassadors and other members of the ASEAN Committee in Brasil- ia (ACB) in February. As Covid-19 started to hit Brazil, Brazil close its land borders and airspace to oth- er countries. Mask wearing was made mandatory in most of the states, while peo- ple are still allowed to travel internally for essential purposes. Over the past months, the Covid-19 outbreak has literally forced all the diplomatic activities in Brasilia to come to a halt. There is no more business as usual for Mis- sion since the beginning of March although Mission is still functioning. Mission continues to provide consular assistance and travel advice to Malaysians in Brazil, Guyana and Suriname through online services as well as in-office ap- pointments. Apart from following closely the pandemic development in the country, Mission also works in concerted effort with the Task Force back home to coordinate ac- tions in support of making arrangements for Malaysians stranded in foreign countries all over the world to return to Malaysia safely. Together with our other Missions in the region, we played a constructive role in offering timely assistance to Malaysians stranded in Argentina and Bolivia to return home on 22 March and 20 April respectively. While working from home, we are closely monitoring the situation and; should circumstances permit, Mission will be functioning normally again. “Muito Obrigado (Thank you very much)” ~ LIM JUAY JIN ~ AMBASSADOR 2 ACBWORKINGVISITTOMATOGROSSO DOSUL ASEAN Ambassadors visited the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul on 14-15 February 2020. The visit was a joint effort by the ASEAN Ambassadors in Brasilia to further strengthen the existing ties between ASEAN countries and Brazil, especially with the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul. By far, the only main activity of the ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB) for the year 2020. Mato Grosso Do Sul was one of the southern states of Brazil located about 1,100 km from Brasilia. With a population of about 2.5 million. Its economy was largely based on agricultural and cattle farming sectors. The main objective of the visit was to explore opportunities for greater interaction between the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul and ASEAN, both as a group and as individual ASEAN countries. The visit programme included calls on the State Governor, Mr. Reinaldo Azambuja and Mayor of Campo Grande, Mr. Marquinhos Trad as well as meeting with Presi- dent and the Council Members of the Federation of Industries of the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul (FIEMS). The visit also included a field visit to see and learn about soy bean and corn production as well as cattle farming Discussions with the Governor, the Mayor and Federation of Industries revolved around the investment and trade op- portunities both ASEAN and Mato Grosso Do Sul has to offer to each other. An overview of the economic prospect of ASEAN was presented by all ASEAN Heads of Mission respectively, which highlighted the pro- gress of ASEAN as a vibrant regional organization and how ASEAN has been moving together towards greater integration. The meetings also served as a platform for both sides to discuss the enormous commercial potential existed in the ASEAN region and Brazil particularly the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul. 3 In addition to strengthening ASEAN relations with Brazil, the visit provided an opportunity for the ASEAN delegation in Brasilia to exchange views with stakehold- ers in the region and to better understand Mato Grosso Do Sul's economic development as well as market and investment opportu- nities in the region. 4 At the arrival gate of the Marechal Rondon International Airport, Mato Grosso Do Sul during a visit to the state on 14- 15 February 2020. 1st ACB Meeting under the chairmanship of the Embassy of Myanmar. Sending off the departing Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Brazil. ACB meeting during the Covid-19 pendemic. Meeting on 1st April 2020 through tele- conferencing. 5 AOG LUNCHEON HOSTED BY: Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, 21 February 2020. Embassy of the Republic of Korea - CANCELLED (Covid-19) 24 March 2020. ASIAOCEANIAGROUP (AOG)LUNCHEON AOG PLAQUE OF HONOR TO THE DEPARTING:- Ambassador of Vietnam Ambassador of Pakistan Ambassador of Iran 6 AMBASSADOR’SENGAGEMENT Courtesy Call by the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Diplomatic Ping Pong… weekend drilling with the other Ambassadors at the Embassy of South Korea. 7 CORONAVIRUS Preview Prevention Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an To prevent infection and to slow trans- aches and pains infectious disease caused by a newly mission of COVID-19, do the following: sore throat discovered coronavirus. Wash your hands regularly with soap and very few people will report diar- and water, or clean them with alcohol- rhoea, nausea or a runny nose. Most people infected with the COVID-19 based hand rub. virus will experience mild to moderate Maintain at least 1 metre distance be- respiratory illness and recover without People with mild symptoms who are oth- tween you and people coughing or erwise healthy should self-isolate and requiring special treatment. Older peo- sneezing. ple, and those with underlying medical contact their medical provider or a problems like cardiovascular disease, Avoid touching your face. COVID-19 information line for advice on diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, Cover your mouth and nose when testing and referral. and cancer are more likely to develop coughing or sneezing. People with fever, cough or difficulty serious illness. Stay home if you feel unwell. breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention. Refrain from smoking and other activi- The best way to prevent and slow down ties that weaken the lungs. transmission is be well informed about Practice physical distancing by avoiding the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes unnecessary travel and staying away and how it spreads. Protect yourself and from large groups of people. others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub fre- Symptoms quently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus affects different peo- ple in different ways. COVID-19 is a res- The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily piratory disease and most infected peo- through droplets of saliva or discharge ple will develop mild to moderate symp- from the nose when an infected person toms and recover without requiring spe- Contact information: coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that cial treatment. People who have under- you also practice respiratory etiquette lying medical conditions and those over The WHO Representative (for example, by coughing into a flexed 60 years old have a higher risk of devel- Lo, Dr Ying-Ru Jacqueline elbow). oping severe disease and death. Common symptoms include: World Health Organization 4th Floor, At this time, there are no specific vac- fever Prima 8, Block 3508, Jalan Teknokrat 6, cines or treatments for COVID-19. How- 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63000 - ever, there are many ongoing clinical tiredness Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia trials evaluating potential treatments. dry cough. Telephone: +603 88717111 WHO will continue to provide updated Facsimile: +603 8871 7171 information as soon as clinical findings Other symptoms include: [email protected] become available. shortness of breath 8 THE PRIME MINISTER’S business premises are to be go about your daily lives. SPECIAL MESSAGE ON closed, except supermar- However, these measures COVID-19 kets, public markets, sun- are necessary in com- 16 MARCH 2020 dry shops and convenience bating the virus, which stores selling essential may still threaten the lives Tonight, I stand before you goods. Specifically, for of our people. once again, to update you on Muslims, the suspension of the current situation regarding all religious activities in We have unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic that mosques and Suraus, in- witnessed a sharp rise in has caused great distress not cluding the Friday prayers, the number of cases just in Malaysia, but also is in line with decision of affecting other countries throughout the world. To date, the Special Muzakarrah in a very short time. Natu- COVID-19 has spread over 135 Committee that convened rally we do not wish to see countries. There have been on the 15th of March 2020. such similar developments 162,711 confirmed COVID-19 2. A complete travel re- take place in our country. striction for all Malaysians cases globally. From that num- sponsibility to do so, as a citizen going overseas. For Malay- As the situation continues to ber, 6443 deaths have been who cares for the wellbeing of sians returning home, they worsen, we can wait no longer. recorded. our families, our communities, are required to undergo Drastic measures must be taken and our nation. health checks and volun- immediately to check the In Malaysia, there was a sharp tary self- quarantine for a spread of this virus by way of rise in the number of cases :190 I would also like to announce period of 14 days. restricting public movement. cases recorded yesterday and that a special session of the an additional 125 cases today. 3. A complete restriction of This is the only way to prevent more people from being infect- National Security Council will be The total number of cases now foreign visitors and tour- ed by this life-threatening virus.