Covid-19: More than 30% are import cases from Indonesia

PUTRAJAYA: Import cases from Indonesia make up the highest number of Covid-19 cases among travellers to Malaysia, with 295 infections, or 32.6%.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Friday (Aug 28) that up to Aug 27,904 Covid-19 cases were detected from 106,793 travellers arriving in Malaysia at various international entry points.

The second highest country is Egypt with 93 cases, or 10.3%, followed by Singapore with 70 cases (7.7%).

Dr Noor Hisham said the country was keeping a keen eye on the Covid-19 situation abroad, so as to ensure that the spread of imported cases could be controlled immediately.

“Our international entry points are strengthened. All travellers arriving at our entry points must undergo health screenings and Covid-19 swab tests.

“They are also required to download the MySejahtera app and must undergo mandatory 14 days of quarantine.

“Malaysia will continue intensifying our public health activities at all international entry points to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 from outside the country, ” said he in a statement on Friday (Aug 28).

Of the 10 new cases confirmed in the country on Friday, eight are import cases.

Seven were foreigners who had arrived from India, while one other case involved a Malaysian returning from the Philippines.

Meanwhile, with the National Day weekend beckoning, the Health Ministry has reminded all to avoid large crowds and to practise physical distancing.

Dr Noor Hisham said people must not lose sight of the Covid-19 prevention guidelines that have been set by the ministry.

“To curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country, the Malaysian public needs to play their part as this is the social responsibility of every single individual.

“The ministry is urging the public to keep adhering to the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times.

“Considering that we are celebrating the National Day on Aug 31, it will be another long weekend.

“Therefore, members of the public are urged to avoid large gatherings and adhere to all the new norms that have been set.

“The ministry would like to stress that the usage of face masks is a must at crowded places, particularly in locations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, ” he said.

The government had made it mandatory for the Malaysian public to wear face masks in crowded areas on Aug 1.

Those who go against the ruling can be prosecuted under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, which provides for a fine of up to RM1,000.