Malaysian Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (Photo: bernama.com)Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Health Minister Dr ZalihaMustafa said there is no need to panic as the number of COVID-19 cases in thecountry is still under control and the number of deaths due to the pandemic isalso still low, mostly involving the elderly and individuals withcomorbidities.
Speaking at a press conference on April 18, theminister said that the variant is still Omicron, although the spread is quitefast, but it is still under control and the and the symptoms are still notsevere. Among the Omicron sub-variants(also known as XBB) recorded in Malaysia thus far are XBB 1.5, 1.6 and 1.9.
The ministry has advised the public to wear a facemask, especially if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms such as flu or cough.
According to the ministry, the country’s COVID-19death toll over the past two weeks reached 16, however the hospital bed utilisationrate increased by more than 70%, the average number of confirmed cases wasabout 800 cases, an increase of 35-40% compared to January when the number ofconfirmed cases was less than 200.
Earlier, Dr Zaliha also launched the Health WhitePaper website to gather public’s opinion and obtain relatedinformation as well as give suggestions or views on the initiative to improvethe country’s healthcare system. The report will be presented in the parliamentthis June.
Malaysian will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, alsoknown as Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims all over the world, this weekend, and therefore healthauthorities have given early warnings to remind people to increase their awarenesson ensuring health protection of themselves and their beloved ones./.
