Malaysia records first Covid-related deaths

PUTRAJAYA: As the government-imposed movement control order starts today Malaysia recorded its first two deaths involving Covid-19.

The two deaths reported yesterday involved patients in Johor and Sarawak respectively.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, who announced this, said the victims were cases 178 and 358.

According to him, case 178 is a Malaysian aged 34, who attended the tabligh gathering at Masjid Jamek Seri Petaling.

The victim showed symptoms on March 5, and received treatment at Hospital Permai Johor Baru after he was found to be positive of Covid-19 on March 12.

“His condition deteriorated and was placed at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital.

He was pronounced dead this morning, ” said the minister at the press conference at the Ministry of Health here.

Meanwhile, case 358 is a 60-year-old Malaysian who had a history of chronic illness, added Dr Adham.

The victim showed symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing on March 7.

He received treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital on March 14 after he was detected positive for Covid-19.

“The victim’s health deteriorated and he was placed at the ICU where he died today, ” said Dr Adham.

The Ministry recorded 120 new cases as of noon, bringing the cumulative positive cases to 673, he said.

Based on initial investigation, out of 120 new cases reported, 95 of them are from the tabligh cluster, said the Ministry.

To date, of the 673 positive cases, some 438 cases are from the tabligh cluster.

There are currently 12 patients who are in ICU and are in need of ventilators to support their breathing.

The Health Ministry also announced seven cases who have fully recovered from Covid-19.

This brings the number of those who have been discharged to 49.

He said the movement control order, which will restrict the people’s movement is a drastic measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“This measure is necessary to prevent more people from being infected by Covid-19 which has now entered the second wave, ” he said.

Dr Adham assured the public that the order will not affect health services in all of the ministry’s facilities, adding that health services provided by the private health sector will also continue to operate.

He urged the public to adhere to the order and warned that failure to do so will result in jail and fines.

He also noted that all Malaysians should play their role to help the government curb the spread of Covid-19.

This includes ensuring that hygiene is at an optimum level at all times by washing of hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitisers.

He said good cough etiquette should also be practised and advised people to seek immediate treatment should they show symptoms such as breathing difficulties, cough, fever, flu and sore throat.