National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique tests positive for Covid-19

PUTRAJAYA: National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique has tested positive for Covid-19.

A statement from the ministry said that Halimah underwent a screen test on Jan 18 and the Health Ministry on Tuesday (Jan 19) confirmed that she is positive.

"Datuk Halimah will now undergo treatment and quarantine as instructed. Her condition will be monitored by health authorities in Johor Baru.

"While undergoing quarantine, the minister will continue to monitor the National Unity Ministry's affairs to ensure all activities go smoothly.

"Datuk Halimah expresses her heartfelt thanks to those who offer their well wishes and prayers and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused due to this development," said the ministry on Tuesday.

Halimah is the fifth Cabinet minister to have tested positive for the virus.

The first case was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri who tested positive on Oct 5, last year followed by three ministers this month - Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan's political secretary Datuk Khamarulazlan Mohammad Hanafiah also tested positive on Saturday (Jan 16).