PUTRAJAYA: The number of active Covid-19 cases in Malaysia dropped to 986 today, the first time it dipped below 1,000 since the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) on March 18, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said eight new cases were reported today, bringing the cumulative figure for positive cases to 8,453.
Two of the new cases are imported cases involving permanent residents while six are local transmissions, he added.
“Among the local infections, four involve foreigners and two are Malaysians.
“The four (local) infections involving foreigners are from the Kuala Lumpur Construction Site Cluster 2 while the cases involving Malaysians comprise one case of clinical screening of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in Bintulu, Sarawak and one case of screening at a centre for the elderly in Melaka Tengah,” he told a daily media conference on Covid-19 here today.
He said 35 patients had recovered and were discharged today, raising the cumulative figure for recoveries to 7,346, or 86.9 per cent of the total number of cases.
Dr Noor Hisham said one fatality was reported today, raising the death toll to 121.
“The 121st death (Case 7,468) was a 67-year-old male Indian detainee at the Bukit Jalil Immigration Detention Depot (DTI) who had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney problems.
“He was found unconscious at the Bukti Jalil DTI and taken to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) before being confirmed to have died on June 12. The Covid-19 test done was positive and the full results of the post-mortem have yet to be received,” he said.
He said four positive Covid-19 cases were still being treated at the intensive care unit, and none was on ventilator support.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the World Blood Donor Day today, Dr Noor Hisham expressed his appreciation to Malaysians who have participated in blood donation activities.
He said that on average 2,000 bags of blood were donated by Malaysians and used to help 1,000 patients daily.
“Many lives have been saved through your contributions. The Health Ministry is very proud of Malaysians, and would like to thank them. Keep up your noble efforts,” he added.
The ministry encouraged more people to donate blood and to organise blood donation campaigns, he said. – Bernama