The World Health Organisation has addressed the deadly hantavirus outbreak on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, which has since sparked international alarm.

This, amid concerns that this particular strain of the rare disease, which is usually spread from infected rodents, is now being passed between humans.

The head of the WHO, however, insists that the risk to the rest of the world remains low…adding that he sees no similarities with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also says there is no need at the moment to call for an emergency meeting to discuss the hantavirus situation.

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The Melaka government has announced a one-month rent waiver for business premises in the state and a subsequent discount of up to 30 percent to help small scale traders there.

This, as Negeri Sembilan said its studying proposals to reduce or waive rental for stalls under the jurisdiction of local councils.

This, in response to the Prime Minister’s recent call for all state governments and local authorities to find ways to help ease the burden on small and medium scale traders amid the global economic uncertainty.

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The Works Ministry has released a new guide to serve as a reference point for contractors, designers and operators who wish to install electric vehicle charging facilities.

The first-of-its-kind guidelines for the country will help ensure that installations are done at appropriate locations and comply with the necessary safety requirements.

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In other news…

Police have arrested five Chinese nationals, who are suspected to be part of a gang of pickpockets targeting tourists at popular attractions in Melaka. 

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The Johor government plans to gazette more than 500 parking bays in commercial areas, to cater to Malaysians who need to park their vehicles for long periods to commute to Singapore for work.

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And, the Met Department says Jeli in Kelantan…Jerantut and Maran in Pahang and Telupid in Sabah are the only areas currently under a Level One heat advisory.