World

Malaysia reports first death from COVID-19

Malaysia on March 17 announced the first death from the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak.
Malaysia reports first death from COVID-19 ảnh 1Medical staff at the Kuala Lumpur international airport on February 4 (Photo: AFP)
Hanoi (VNA) – Malaysia on March 17 announced thefirst death from the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirusSARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak.

According to authorities, the patient is a 60-year-oldpastor at the Emmanuel BaptistChurch in Kuching, Sarawak state.

All 193contacts of the deceased have been traced and are undergoing home quarantine.

The same day,Sarawak state recorded 11 more infection cases, raising the total in Malaysiato 553, the highest in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, theCambodian Health Ministry also confirmed an additional 12 infection cases inthe country the same day, bringing the total to 24 so far.

Cambodian PrimeMinister Hun Sen ordered the shutdown of all karaoke clubs and cinemas acrossthe country in order to contain the spread of the epidemic.

Earlier onMarch 16, Cambodia announced the closure of all public and private educational institutions./.

VNA
#COVID-19 #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency #SARS-CoV-2 #Emmanuel Baptist Church #Cambodian Health Ministry #death Malaysia
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

COVID-19: Malaysia orders movement control

COVID-19: Malaysia orders movement control

Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on late March 16 that the entire country will be on a movement control order starting from March 18-31 to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Malaysia postpones pre-APEC meeting due to COVID-19

Malaysia postpones pre-APEC meeting due to COVID-19

Malaysia has postponed a three-day meeting of finance and central bank officials from APEC countries that was scheduled for March 17-19 because of the COVID-19 outbreak, a government spokesperson said.

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand calls for stricter control over pollution sources

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the Pollution Control Department (PCD)'s Air Pollution Situation Communication Centre has issued an alert on increases of PM2.5 concentrations, particularly in Bangkok, its surrounding provinces, the upper Central Plains and the Northeast.

Illustrative photo: www.pna.gov.ph

Philippines assesses security threats ahead of ASEAN Summit

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rommel Roldan said the military will provide full support to the PNP, which will take the lead in maintaining peace and order during the country’s hosting of ASEAN-related activities. Troops have been ordered to extend necessary assistance to the PNP in ensuring the safety and security of the events.

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Positive signs have emerged from restructuring efforts at several large SOEs, including national airline Garuda Indonesia, Krakatau Steel (KRAS) and Timah Tbk (TINS), helping improve their performance and market standing, State asset fund Danantara Indonesia said.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro (L) and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu sign the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) (Photo: pna.gov.ph)

Philippines, Japan sign new defence agreement

The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defence Forces to provide each other with fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies during joint activities.

Cambodian soldiers are deployed alongside a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher in a disputed border area with Thailand near Ta Moan Thom temple on July 25, 2025. (Source: Reuters/VNA)

Thailand, Cambodia hold talks to ensure ceasefire

Cambodia reaffirmed its firm, resolute, and sincere commitment to faithfully respect and implement the joint statement and other relevant documents, with the aim of seeking a peaceful, just, and lasting solution in accordance with international laws and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries.

The scene of a crane collapse in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on January 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Another crane collapses in Thailand

The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon province near the capital Bangkok, where a crane involved in the construction of an elevated highway fell onto the road beneath.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Cambodian PM declares crackdown on cyber scams

The Cambodian PM noted the strict measures against online scams in the past are a testament to the government's political commitment to combating this transnational crime, which is a common concern for Cambodia, the region, and the world.