Singapore’s Lee says virus battle intensifying as industries die

Singapore’s battle to fight the coronavirus outbreak is intensifying, while industries such as tourism and aviation are virtually dead, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. Global supply chains are also affected, hurting the ability for the city-state to get its supplies, and in turn hurting its exports, Lee said in an interview with CNN. “That’s an impact that’s not going away in a hurry,” Lee said. The island republic reported its third death on Sunday, but has been seen as an example as a country that has seemed largely successful in containing the outbreak. “I don’t see this problem going away in a couple of months,” Lee said. It will be “several years” before the virus runs its course, he said.

Malaysia ramps up support for virus-hit economy to $58 billion

Malaysia announced billions of dollars in fresh support for an economy punished by the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Friday the government was unveiling 250 billion ringgit ($58 billion) in support for the economy. That figure includes a 20-billion ringgit package announced last month by the previous government, as well as other measures presented since then, Muhyiddin said. “We are a nation at war with invisible forces. The situation we are now facing is unprecedented in history,” Muhyiddin said. “This government may not be the government that you voted for. But I want all of you to know that this government cares for you.” Malaysia joins governments around the world who have pledged trillions of dollars to support their economies as activity grinds to a halt to stop the pathogen.