In case you missed it, Malaysia reported a whopping 317 new Covid-19 cases today, the highest daily increase of cases yet! This rapid increase can be associated with the recently held 16th Sabah State Election whereby many from Peninsular Malaysia went to the state for campaigning and brought back the virus with them. There was an increase in cases in Sabah when the campaigning period of the Sabah State Election happened.
The most prominent example was an UMNO supreme council member who was seen not following SOP when campaigning at a Sipitang Tamu, a Sabah traditional market during the period. Not soon after, another prominent UMNO member, this time the party’s information chief, Shahril Hamdan tests positive for the virus after visiting the same area.
Now, post-Sabah elections, it seems that more prominent politicians have been found to be Covid-19 positive. This includes the Deputy Minister of Environment and Water, Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Mohamad.
The Deputy Minister of Environment and Water tested positive for Covid-19 after initial tests return negative
As reported by NST, Ahmad Masrizal recently returned from Sabah for the election and tested negative for the virus upon arrival at the airport. However, he went to another screening last Wednesday before returning to office this Monday. The new test returned positive and he is now admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
The Deputy Minister tested positive despite not having any symptoms for Covid-19. He has been adhering to self-quarantine ever since he returned from Sabah.
Another politician, this time the political-secretary for the Minister of Higher Education, Datin Maizatul Akmam Alawi have also tested positive for Covid-19 today. As reported by Sinar Harian, she was infected with the virus during the campaigning period of the Sabah State Election.
The political-secretary of the Minister of Higher Education also tested positive for Covid-19
Maizatul is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Sabah. Hopefully she recovers soon!
This influx of cases just goes to show that the virus doesn’t care whether you’re a minister or a layman. Stay safe, follow SOPs and let’s flatten the curve again guys!
Also read: JUST IN: Malaysia Reports 317 New Cases Today
