Malaysia has hit new milestones in the fight against COVID-19, with just one new case reported today but without local transmissions, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said the single case today is the lowest ever in the second wave of the pandemic, bringing the cumulative figure to 8,640 cases.

“We are delighted to announce that there was no local transmission reported today.

“The only case reported today was an imported case who was infected in Turkey. Congratulations to all, especially the Malaysian community, for this achievement,” he said at a COVID-19 media briefing here today.

Dr Noor Hisham said 21 cases had recovered and were discharged today, bringing the total number of recoveries to 8,375.

He added that no COVID-19-related fatalities had been recorded since June 15, keeping the death toll at 121.

Four cases were being treated at the intensive care unit, with two requiring ventilator support, he added.

He also said the trend of daily local transmission cases among Malaysians was in line with the modelling and projection done by the National Institute of Health on May 21.

This was achieved with the cooperation of all levels and strata of society in playing their part, including by adapting to the new normal in their daily activities and adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government, he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said the declining cases also showed awareness among the community to practise self-regulation and social responsibility.

We hope that all levels and groups in the community are practising safe social distancing of at least one metre, adopting a high level of personal hygiene, staying away from cramped and crowded places, and avoiding getting too close when speaking with people.

“This is the new normal which has to be practised widely and continuously to ensure we maintain our success in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham also reminded the people that the war against the pandemic is not over yet and that there could be a resurgence of cases in Malaysia if they became complacent and took the government's advice and directives lightly.

He urged all parents and guardians to keep educating their children on the new practices and norms because this was crucial to safeguard their safety and health, especially when they are required to return to schools soon.

-- BERNAMA