PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry (MOH) is concerned about the possibility of family gatherings taking place at shopping complexes during the Aidilfitri celebrations this year, as these activities could trigger a crisis in the transmission of COVID-19.
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, expressing concern at the possibility, said that gatherings at shopping malls, due to restriction of visiting activities during Aidilftri, was very risky.
He said that this was because COVID-19 cases in the country have increased dramatically in the last two weeks, involving religious centres and focal points, where clusters could be triggered.
Dr Adham said this in a virtual joint press conference on the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today.
Dr Adham said that the presence of the new rapid and aggressive COVID-19 variants, already in the community, required continuous efforts to curb the risk of transmission, and the people have been urged to continue adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs), including maintaining physical distancing and wearing face masks.
He added that sporadic cases have increased compared with cluster cases, with 89 per cent of COVID-19 cases reported from April 9 to May 8 this year alone being sporadic cases.
Dr Adham also said that close contact detection activities were important, and the ability to implement them varied according to the respective districts, for example, in Terengganu all close contacts could be detected within 48 hours.
The capability depends on several factors, including the increase in human resources to investigate and track down contacts, the mobilisation of staff from other areas and the use of mobile phones to facilitate communication between positive cases and the district health offices, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Adham said that the capacity of the COVID-19 Quarantine and Low-Risk Treatment Centre (PKRC) at the Malaysia Agriculture Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) could be increased to 10,000 patients.
He added that PKRC at MAEPS currently accommodates almost 4,000 patients in categories one and two, while 1,000 beds can be placed for category three cases to reduce stress in public and private hospitals. Previously, category three patients were admitted to government or private hospitals.
Efforts to increase bed capacity in hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs) are also being actively carried out in the Klang Valley, especially at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Teaching Hospital and Universiti Putra Malaysia Teaching Hospital, apart from building modular ICUs in several places, he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon May 17 2021
COVID-19 cases in the country have increased dramatically in the last two weeks, involving religious centres and focal points, where clusters could be triggered. - Filepic for illustration purpose
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.