Coronavirus could cause immense human and economic damage

I write in reference to your article Coronavirus: US postpones summit with Asean leaders (February 29): the coronavirus is the biggest and most important problem facing the entire world. The virus has spread to many countries, and world leaders should be galvanising themselves – as well as their countries – to manage what is clearly a mammoth challenge.

If the virus spreads further, it could cause immense human and economic damage across the world. I dread to think of the consequences if the virus spreads to some highly populated South Asian and African countries, where standards of hygiene might not be very high and where medical facilities might be inadequate.

Finding a solution to the coronavirus expeditiously is the number one challenge that confronts the entire world today.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

A comparison with an authentic source can single out fake news

I write in reference to your editorial Coronavirus: Can you tell fake news from real information? (February 27): absolutely. It is creating unwarranted fear and a mystery around the coronavirus. A comparison with an authentic source is good enough to single out fake news. People should use their own sense of understanding.

Nazim Hasan Khan, India

Malaysia needs to fix its politics to deal with more urgent problems

I write in reference to your article Malaysian king appoints Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister (February 29): after what has been a dramatic past few days in Malaysian politics, the country has a new prime minister. Of course, Muhyiddin Yassin still has to win a vote of confidence from fellow parliamentarians, scheduled for next week, before ordinary Malaysians can feel at ease.

In any case, the matter should be resolved soon so that the country can deal with more pressing issues, such as a slowing economy and the coronavirus.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

May peace, stability and prosperity return to Afghanistan

I write in reference to Stefanie Glinski's article United States and Taliban sign deal to withdraw troops from Afghanistan (February 29): This is great news. May Allah bring peace, stability and prosperity to war-torn Afghanistan.

Zarmeen Ijaz Ul Haq, Rawalpindi, Pakistan