COVID-19: Malaysia extends partial lockdown, Myanmar lifts some restrictions
While Malaysia has decided to extend a partial lockdown in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Myanmar removed certain restrictions to prepare for the upcoming general elections.
A health worker takes a swab from a man for COVID-19 testing in Subang Jaya in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 22 (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – While Malaysia has decided toextend a partial lockdown in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Myanmarremoved certain restrictions to prepare for the upcoming general elections.
Malaysian Senior Minister for Security IsmailSabri Yaakob told a press conference on October 26 that the two-weekpartial lockdown on Kuala Lumpur capital and the neighbouring state ofSelangor, announced earlier this month, would be extended until November 9.
Malaysia made the move after the Health Ministryhad reported 1,240 new coronavirus cases on September 26, the highest dailyrise on record.
As of the day, this country had recorded a totalof 27,805 infections, including 236 deaths.
Its government has imposed movementrestrictions, including the closure of schools and places of worship, thoughall other economic activities are allowed to operate normally.
Meanwhile, Myanmar has lifted restrictions onmass gatherings and the stay-at-home order to prepare for the general electionsslated for November 8.
The country’s Ministry of Health and Sportsannounced on October 25 that gatherings of 30 people or more, which were bannedfrom August 12 as a measure to help curb the spread of COVID-19, will beallowed at the polling stations on the election day.
The ministry also said citizens who are residingin the townships under the stay-at-home order will be allowed to go to therespective polling stations to cast votes on the election day.
So far, the stay-at-home order has been imposedin all townships in Rakhine state and Yangon region, excluding Cocokyuntownship, along with 13 townships in Mandalay, Bago, Ayeyarwaddy regions andMon and Kachin states.
Myanmar had reported 44,774 COVID-19 confirmedcases with 1,095 deaths as of October 25./.
Myanmar plans to push ahead with a November general election despite calls from opposition parties to postpone it because of a surge in COVID-19 cases, officials said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has affirmed that his Government will not impose a total lockdown despite the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.
Southeast Asian nations are beefing up measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 amid complicated developments of the disease in many countries around the world.
Malaysia reported 1,228 new COVID-19 cases on October 24, the highest daily tally and also the first four-digit growth in the number of new infections in a day.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
A health worker takes a swab from a man for COVID-19 testing in Subang Jaya in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 22 (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
