Health workers at drive-thru test center for Covid-19 in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
Photographer: Samsul Said / Bloomberg
Photographer: Samsul Said / Bloomberg
Malaysia posted the highest number of coronavirus cases for a second day on Saturday, just days before the government decided whether to extend invitations or tighten a move that is due to end next week.
Southeast Asian countries recorded 5,728 infections on Saturday, after breaking the 5,000 mark for the first time on Friday, according to tweet by Malaysian Director General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah. That brings the total to 209,661 cases. Malaysia has reported a total of 746 deaths from coronavirus pandemic, including 13 on Saturday.
Malaysia sent a state of emergency and movement restrictions renewed earlier in the month as it was hit by a wave of new diseases that have stretched their health care system to the point of disruption. The normal movement loops are expected to end on February 4, but could be extended unless new cases show signs of easing.
Despite the rise in cases, the government has reduced some of the locking regulations in the last few days, including an extension working hours for businesses, and allowing some markets in Selangor to reopen.
Selangor, the richest state in Malaysia, posted the highest number of new infections on Saturday, with 3,285 cases, followed by the southern state of Johor with 792, and Kuala Lumpur at 480. The state also recorded the highest number of cases Selangor ‘s prime minister said on Saturday that it was caused by a background of cases from screening at factories, prisons and in private establishments that did not immediately report their numbers.
– With help from Anisah Shukry