Coronavirus live news: Anti-lockdown protesters clash with police in Australia | World news

Malaysia’s new prime minister was sworn in on Saturday and how he deals with the country’s worst wave of Covid-19 infections will be closely scrutinized.

The management of the pandemic by Ismail Sabri Yaakob as deputy to his predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin has already been a source of pressure, with 350,000 Malaysians signing a petition opposing his appointment.

The 23,564 cases reported on Friday marked the third consecutive day of record numbers in Malaysia.

Strict shutdowns in Malaysia have put many people in shambles and over the past month many have started flying white flags from their homes to signal they need help.

Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters clashed with Australian riot police in Sydney and Melbourne, where in the latter, pepper spray was used to disperse crowds, Reuters reports.

Riot police have dispersed congregations in Sydney, which has been strictly closed for two months.

Authorities on Saturday reported 894 cases – the largest daily increase in infections in Australia – most in Sydney.

Police did not report any arrests, but in Victoria they said they would issue fines of AU $ 5,000 (£ 2,600) to protesters who took part.

Warning people of the protest, Victoria Chief Police Commissioner Shane Patton said it was “just ridiculous to think people would be so selfish and come and do this”.

Hello, this is Kaamil Ahmed London launching our global coronavirus coverage from London for the day. If there are any developments that you think we are missing, please do not hesitate to contact me by E-mail or through Twitter.