MALAYSIA reported record high numbers of COVID-19 cases today, with 4,029 new infections and eight fatalities in the past 24 hours.
In a statement, Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the total number of infections is now at 155,095.
“There were also 2,148 recoveries, bringing the total number of those discharged to 117,375. Unfortunately, eight people died due to the virus, bringing the death toll to 594.
Of the new cases today, only eight were imported while the balance 4,021 were of local infections.
Six who perished were locals while the other two were foreigners. Only one of them suffered pre-existing medical conditions.
As usual, Selangor recorded the highest number of cases with 1,466, followed by Johor (719) and Sabah (449).
On related matter, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was miffed, calling the Government to impose stricter rules for the movement control order (MCO) to protect the healthcare system and prevent lockdown extension.
“Relaxed rules in the first 14 days would not help to bring down COVID-19 infections. The MCO this time is not firm enough and will not achieve much. Too many exceptions,” he said, in a Facebook post.
Citing examples, Najib said he found it odd that furniture stores, jewellery and other stores selling luxury items were allowed to operate despite the MCO.
“The construction sector and factories are also operating as usual despite being the biggest contributor to the third wave of the pandemic,” he added.
The Pekan MP also said that the Government should take note that many Malaysians, who tested positive for COVID-19, were not admitted to hospitals as wards have reached maximum capacity.
“Backed by Government aid, let us suffer a little for the first two weeks to allow our healthcare system and frontliners to recover. This will avoid the MCO from being extended again,” Najib remarked. – Jan 16, 2021.
