Among the headlines for Friday, 9th April, 2021, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today said no policy decision has been made yet to allow foreign workers back into the country despite a need of at least 40,000 foreign workers for the farming sector alone.
Also, the head of Indonesia's weather agency (BMKG) said a new cyclone, named Odette, was gaining traction and could hit Lampung province on the island of Sumatra, as well as the provinces of East Java and Central Java, and the island of Bali.
While Odette was not expected to be as destructive as Seroja, it could generate tidal surges as high as 6 meters in the southern Indian Ocean near Java and Bali, urging fishermen to take precautions.
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Astro Awani
Fri Apr 09 2021

A rundown of the most important stories you need to know for the day, from the newsroom of Astro AWANI.

Canada announces plan to ease Syria sanctions
The Canadian government on Wednesday announced plans to ease sanctions on Syria during what it called a period of transition.

Zii Jia pulls out of Swiss Open due to injury
Malaysia's men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has withdrawn from next week's Swiss Open due to a recurring right ankle injury.

MCMC probes man for uploading fake content on social media
A 47-year-old Malaysian man is being investigated for allegedly uploading fake content that touches on the 3R (religion, race and royalty) on social media.

KPDN calls on public to help report bottled cooking oil shortage
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has urged the public to be the eyes and ears of the ministry and report shortages of bottled cooking oil in their areas.

ICJ to hold public hearings on Israel's obligations in occupied Palestinian territory
The International Court of Justice will hold hearings next month on Israel's obligations towards Palestinians, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Anwar: Sapura Energy's rescue plan excludes former shareholders
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sapura Energy Bhd's (SEB) former major shareholders are no longer involved in the company's management as part of its restructuring efforts.

Intel names Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO
Intel Corporation (INTC.O) has appointed semiconductor Malaysian-born industry veteran and former board member Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO.

Ismail Sabri at MACC HQ to give statement
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here today to give his statement

Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted by ICC - Malacanang
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Clarification on the investment in Sapura Energy by MDH
Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) as the existing significant shareholder of SEB.

Floods recede in Beaufort, but residents remain wary of downstream water flow
While floods in Beaufort are receding, residents remain on alert for downstream water flow that could bring floodwaters from inland areas.

Govt to ensure establishment of SEGiM aligns with introduction of Gig Workers Bill
The government intends to ensure that the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) is in line with the introduction of the Gig Workers Bill.

UK steel industry warns of damage as Trump tariffs come into force
US President Donald Trump's tariffs on UK steel "couldn't come at a worse time," the industry has warned as the levy on US imports is introduced, reported PA Media/dpa news.

Penang allocates RM49.45 million for Phase 1 of i-Sejahtera Programme
The Penang government has allocated RM49.45 million for 274,151 recipients under Phase 1 of the i-Sejahtera Programme this year.

PM Anwar calls on all parties to be agents of unity, help unite people of different races
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to join hands to become agents of unity and assist the MADANI Government in its efforts to unite all Malaysians

Women representation in senior management fall to 36.2 pct in 2025
The Grant Thornton Women in Business Report reveals a concerning decline in the representation of women in senior management positions in Malaysia.

Singapore Airlines prohibits usage, charging of power banks from April 1
Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be allowed to use power banks or charge them throughout their flight effective April 1.

Captain of cargo ship arrested over fatal collision in North Sea
The cargo ship captain involved in the North Sea's deadly collision has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

No plans to follow us in repatriating illegal immigrants - KDN
For the period up to March 9 this year, the total number of deportations from Immigration depots was 9,199 people.

Air pollution responsible for nearly 7 million deaths annually worldwide
A report by the World Air Quality Index indicated that only 17 per cent of cities worldwide meet the recommended air quality standards.