Malaysia has no plans to reimpose pandemic-era COVID-19 curbs, says health minister

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia does not intend to reinstate COVID-19 restrictions under the movement control order (MCO) that was in place at the height of the pandemic, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Monday (Dec 18). 

“For the time being, we are not considering reinstating the MCO, although a lot of people are talking about it on X,” he said at a press conference.

The minister added that despite the rising number of infections, the situation is under control as the health ministry has strengthened its five-point COVID-19 management plan. 

These include community tracing via the TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform and seek) system, monitoring of health facilities, as well as digitalisation of pandemic management via the MySejahtera app.

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

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

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

A total of 20,696 COVID-19 cases were reported in Malaysia during the week of Dec 10 to 16, a 62 per cent increase compared with the previous week. 

The minister said about 97 per cent of the cases were considered low-risk, in categories one (asymptomatic) and two (mild symptoms), with 28 fatalities reported.

“We are ready for the possibility of such a surge or wave,” said Dr Dzulkefly.

“The Ministry of Health is also closely monitoring the capacity of hospitals in terms of bed management and patient treatment.”