KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is closely tracking the recent Covid-19 wave in Singapore, which has seen a twofold increase in cases.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, on X today, said it was highlighted that the combined proportion of sub-variants KP.1 and KP.2 currently accounts for over two-thirds of Covid-19 cases in island state.
“In Malaysia, the reported number of Covid-19 cases in the week of May 12 to 18, 2024 was 1,230, compared with 1,071 cases in the previous week (an increase of 14.8 per cent), and no new death from Covid-19 has been reported since April 25.
“Regarding the circulating variants, we have reported each of KP.1.1 and KP.2.1 in March 2024, both with mild symptoms, and no report of any marked increase in Covid-19 cases,” he said.
Dzulkefly said MOH will continue to monitor the situation, and the national health system is prepared for any surge in cases.
He also reminded the public to maintain good personal hygiene, reduce social interactions when feeling unwell, and wear masks if with high-risk groups, in very crowded areas, or when symptomatic.
Meanwhile, in a statement, MOH said the occupancy rate of non-critical beds for Covid-19 patients increased slightly from 0.08 per cent to 0.10 per cent, while the ICU bed occupancy rate decreased from 0.17 per cent to 0.04 per cent.
“MOH continuously monitors the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia and globally. Following the recent wave in Singapore, which saw a two-fold increase in cases in the week of May 5 to 11, the ministry has heightened preparedness measures to address potential increase in cases in Malaysia,” it said.
According to MOH, the variant currently circulating in Malaysia remained the Omicron variant and its sub-variants.
It said that there has been one case each of KP.2.1 and KP.1.1 reported since March 2024, both part of the Omicron family.
“Specifically, they are sub-lineages of JN.1.11.1. On May 3, the World Health Organisation listed KP.2 as a Currently Circulating Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). However, this variant has not led to severe infections in those affected,” it added.
— Bernama
