Malaysian Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (Photo source: bernama.com)

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said there is no need to panic as the number of COVID-19 cases in the country is still under control and the number of deaths due to the pandemic is also still low, mostly involving the elderly and inpiduals with comorbidities.

Speaking at a press conference on April 18, the minister said that the variant is still Omicron, although the spread is quite fast, but it is still under control and the and the symptoms are still not severe. 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 face mask, especially if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms such as flu or cough.

According to the ministry, the country’s COVID-19 death toll over the past two weeks reached 16, however the hospital bed utilisation rate increased by more than 70%, the average number of confirmed cases was about 800 cases, an increase of 35-40% compared to January when the number of confirmed cases was less than 200.

Earlier, Dr Zaliha also launched the Health White Paper website to gather public’s opinion and obtain related information as well as give suggestions or views on the initiative to improve the country’s healthcare system. The report will be presented in the parliament this June.

Malaysian will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims all over the world, this weekend, and therefore health authorities have given early warnings to remind people to increase their awareness on ensuring health protection of themselves and their beloved ones.