The Ministry of Health (MOH) is optimistic of beating JP Morgan's projection on the country's COVID-19 cumulative cases and prove that measures taken by the government to contain the spread of the deadly virus are on the right track.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that based on the current trend, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia was expected to be below 5,000 today.
"JP Morgan has actually predicted that we (may) have peak cases on April 14, which is tomorrow... (with projection of) 6,300 cases (but) today we have seen 4,817 (cumulative) cases.
"I think we are certainly doing much better... I am just predicting tomorrow, hopefully, that we can break it down to 5,000 cases, which means our Movement Control Order (MCO) (phases) one and two are working.
"This is a sign that shows we are able to contain and reduce the cases (and) flatten the curve," he said in a daily briefing on COVID-19 Monday.
Based on phases one and two of the MCO, Dr Noor Hisham said phase three was important for the MOH to further bring down the daily number of COVID-19 cases.
"When we look into week-13, there is actually a peak but now perhaps we are in a recovery phase, but we are still monitoring closely because we have not yet managed to break it down further.
"If we can do that, the possibility is we can reduce the cases not only to flatten the curve but the possibility for (us) to end COVID-19 in this country. We hope we can do it but it doesn't only depend on MOH but all of us," he said.
Asked if MOH would carry out massive tests for COVID-19, including those who are asymptomatic, Dr Noor Hisham said currently they would only conduct tests on certain focus groups.
"In terms of screening, we have screened 83,488 cases and only 4,817 or 5.8 per cent are positive. In the Enhanced MCO areas, where we screen everybody in that area - whether symptomatic or not, high-risk group or not - what we found is that when we screen everybody in that area, our detection rate is not 5.8 per cent. We only found 0.5 per cent (positive).
"Rather than screening everybody where the detection rate is only 0.5 per cent, with our limited resources, then we should focus on that (certain) area and high-risk group," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Apr 14 2020
DR NOOR HISHAM: We are still monitoring closely because we have not yet managed to break it down further. - File photo
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.