Business

The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association reports surging demand for medical gloves as the coronavirus spreads. MARGMA President Denis Low confirms urgent requests from China and pledges to prioritize supply to affected regions, with manufacturers increasing production to meet critical healthcare needs.

Starbucks, the world's largest coffee chain, closed half of its Chinese stores due to coronavirus, adjusting operating hours and delaying 2020 profit forecasts. The outbreak has significantly impacted the company's operations in its biggest market outside the United States.

Following Kobe Bryant's sudden death, fans worldwide rushed to purchase memorabilia, causing Lakers jerseys, Nike shoes, and commemorative items to sell out rapidly. Nike confirmed complete sellout of Bryant's merchandise, redirecting website visitors to a memorial statement about the tragic helicopter crash.

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread in China, businesses are encouraging remote work. Companies like Tencent, ByteDance, Country Garden, and UBS are advising employees in Wuhan and Hubei province to stay home during the extended Lunar New Year holiday to help contain the virus.

A 61-year-old Japanese postal worker was arrested after storing 24,000 undelivered letters at home, claiming it was "too much bother" to distribute them. The postal branch discovered the massive mail hoard during an internal check, leading to his immediate termination and a criminal complaint.

Philippine Airlines allows passengers with flights to China to change, refund, or reroute tickets without charges from January 24 to February 9. This move provides travelers flexibility during the coronavirus outbreak, helping them adjust their travel plans without additional penalties.

Taiwanese electronics giants Acer and Asustek remain among world's top PC manufacturers, ranking 5th and 6th respectively in global shipments with 14.76 and 14.48 million units sold in 2019, though experiencing slight market share reductions.

Wuhan, China's "motor city," faces severe economic challenges as coronavirus lockdown halts operations for major automobile manufacturers like Renault, Honda, and PSA Group, potentially exacerbating existing automotive sector recession.

British officials recommend restricting Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network, blocking it from core systems and government networks. The decision comes after US pressure over potential security risks, limiting Huawei's participation while not entirely banning the company's equipment.

A new deadly coronavirus is causing uncertainty in global markets, with analysts warning of potential significant economic impact. Asian stocks have been hit hard, particularly in the airline and tourism sectors. The virus is being compared to the SARS outbreak of 2002-2003, raising concerns about its potential spread and consequences.