PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia is not considering reactivating its Movement Control Order (MCO), which was in place during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad announced on Dec 18.

This is despite a recent surge in the number of infections in the country, he said at a press conference at the Health Ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya.

Datuk Seri Dzulkefly said there had been concern about the rise in the number of cases in Malaysia.

But he expressed hope that the country could deal with the situation without resorting to the restrictions that were previously put in place.

“At present, the situation is not causing a burden on our health facilities,” Dr Dzulkefly said.

“Do not be alarmed, but at the same time, take precautionary measures.

“Maintain your distance from one another, practise good hygiene, wear masks in indoor or crowded spaces and get booster shots, especially those in high-risk categories.”

The Health Ministry has prepared a five-point strategy to deal with the recent increase in Covid-19 cases, Dr Dzulkefly added.

These include early detection through the Heightened Alert System and community tracing via the TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform and seek) system, monitoring health facilities, as well as effective risk communication.

All health facilities nationwide are ready for any eventuality, he said.

Malaysia recorded 20,696 Covid-19 cases between Dec 10 and 16.

Between Dec 3 and 9, there were 12,757 cases, with 11 casualties.

However, Dr Dzulkefly said 97 per cent of new cases were in low-risk categories.

He said 28 deaths have been recorded, 151 patients are currently in the intensive care unit, and 96 people require breathing assistance. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK