The Health Ministry today reported 2,764 new Covid-19 cases – the lowest since Jan 11. 

There were 13 new deaths, bringing the Covid-19 death toll to 909. Malaysians made up the majority (67.1 percent) of new cases today.

• Active cases: 50,841
• Patients in ICU: 289
• Intubated: 127
• Samples taken*: 23,087

https://e.infogram.com/c357e60c-0ab3-4663-8f6c-8589121c6f59?parent_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malaysiakini.com%2Fnews%2F562363&src=embed#async_embed

Since the movement control order began on Jan 13, the states or territories where new cases are still trending up are Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak, Penang and Malacca.

States or territories where new cases are on the downtrend are Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Terengganu, Pahang, Labuan, Putrajaya and Perlis.

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A guide to when Malaysians can get vaccinated for Covid-19

Covid-19 backlog: Why delays happen and what can be done

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Deaths

The Klang Valley logged the highest number of deaths (7). Currently, this region had reported 265 Covid-19 deaths and is the second worst hit after Sabah. 

All 13 victims reported today are Malaysian citizens, the youngest being 49. Details of the victims are on Malaysiakini’s Covid-19 tracker page.https://e.infogram.com/c8a28e8e-d511-48c1-bc1b-3eec0f7c699a?parent_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.malaysiakini.com%2Fnews%2F562363&src=embed#async_embed

Clusters

The Health Ministry today announced 12 new clusters of which six involved factories and two construction sites.

Only two clusters – Jalan Budiman and Dialisis Masjid Tanah – were not the result of targeted screening.

Besi Cyber cluster
District(s): Kulai, Johor
Locality/Source: Factory in Jalan Cyber 5
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 28 out of 136 screened

Senai City Lapan cluster
District(s): Kulai and Johor Bahru, Johor
Locality/Source: Factory in Jalan I-Park Sac 8
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 114 out of 318 screened

Jalan Parit Mesjid cluster
District(s): Muar, Johor
Locality/Source: Factory in Jalan Parit Mesjid, Bukit Pasir
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 23 out of 87 screened

Jalan Cyber 14 cluster
District(s): Kulai, Johor
Locality/Source: Factory in alan Cyber 14, Kawasan Perindustrian Senai IV
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 19 out of 189 screened

Tapak Bina Persiaran Puteri cluster
District(s): Petaling, Selangor
Locality/Source: Construction site in Persiaran Puteri, Taman Puchong
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 28 out of 320 screened

Industri Mahkota cluster
District(s): Kuala Langat, Selangor
Locality/Source: Company in Kawasan Perindustrian Mahkota, Pekan Sungai Manggis
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 7, targeted screening
Total infected: 21 out of 1,536 screened

Kejuruteraan Subang Baru cluster
District(s): Petaling, Selangor
Locality/Source: Factory in Kampung Subang Baru, Shah Alam
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 15 out of 196 screened

Jalan Budiman cluster
District(s): Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Locality/Source: Educational institution in Jalan Budiman, Bandar Tun Razak
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, index case with symptoms
Total infected: 7 out of 11 screened

Tapak Bina Jalan Pantai cluster
District(s): Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur
Locality/Source: Construction site in Jalan Pantai Permai
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Feb 9, targeted screening
Total infected: 23 out of 35 screened

Hulu Jerocco cluster
District(s): Kinabatangan, Sabah
Locality/Source: Plantation in Jalan Jerocco
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Jan 29, targeted screening
Total infected: All 29 screened

Lengkok Emas cluster
District(s): Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Locality/Source: Factory in Jalan Lengkok Emas 1, Nilai
Cluster category: Workplace
First case: Jan 23, targeted screening
Total infected: 55 out of 130 screened

Dialisis Masjid Tanah cluster
District(s): Alor Gajah, Melaka Tengah and Jasin, Melaka
Locality/Source: Dialysis centre in Masjid Tanah
Cluster category: At-risk groups
First case: Feb 8, index case with symptoms
Total infected: 22 out of 100 screened

New cases by states, in brief:

Selangor (862)
Existing clusters: 122
New cluster(s): 46 (Industri Mahkota, Kejuruteraan Subang Baru, dan Tapak Bina Persiaran Puteri)
Close contacts: 500
Imported: 2
Other screenings: 192

Johor (521)
Existing clusters: 71
New cluster(s): 184 (Besi Cyber, Senai City Lapan, Jalan Parit Mesjid, dan Jalan Cyber 14)
Close contacts: 136
Imported: 2
Other screenings: 128

Kuala Lumpur (422)
Existing clusters: 44
New cluster(s): 22 (Tapak Bina Jalan Pantai dan Jalan Budiman)
Close contacts: 168
Imported: 2
Other screenings: 186

Malacca (203)
Existing clusters: 189
New cluster(s): Dialisis Masjid Tanah
Close contacts: 7
Other screenings: 6

Sabah (180)
Existing clusters: 6
New cluster(s): Hulu Jerocco
Close contacts: 123
Other screenings: 42

Pulau Pinang (119)
Existing clusters: 73
Close contacts: 16
Other screenings: 30

Sarawak (111)
Existing clusters: 10
Close contacts: 20
Other screenings: 81

Negeri Sembilan (99)
Existing clusters: 7
New cluster(s): 22 (Lengkok Emas)
Close contacts: 14
Other screenings: 56

Kelantan (62)
Existing clusters: 8
Close contacts: 39
Other screenings: 15

Kedah (59)
Existing clusters: 12
Close contacts: 17
Other screenings: 30

Perak (40)
Existing clusters: 14
Close contacts: 18
Other screenings: 8

Terengganu (34)
Existing clusters: 11
Close contacts: 11
Other screenings: 12

Pahang (32)
Existing clusters: 18
Close contacts: 5
Other screenings: 9

Labuan (10)
Existing clusters: 4
Close contacts: 4
Other screenings: 2

Putrajaya (10)
Close contacts: 7
Other screenings: 3

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*For details regarding sample processing and backlogs, please read this article. 

Source：Malaysiakini

BUSINESSES

– Village Grocer KL Gateway Mall, Kuala Lumpur

A security guard at this outlet tested positive for Covid-19, said Village Grocer in a notice on Feb 6.

It said that the outsourced personnel last reported to work in the morning on the same day. Following this, the company sent all other employees for swab tests and quarantine.

The premises was closed for a day for sanitisation, and was reopened on Feb 7 with another team of staff members who had no contact with the affected employees. The new team tested negative for Covid-19.

– Village Grocer Subang Parade, Subang Jaya, Selangor

The company issued a notice on Facebook last night saying that one of its staff at this outlet has been confirmed positive for Covid-19.

The employee who works at the fruits and vegetable department last reported working on Feb 6.

Following this, Village Grocer is arranging all staff to undergo a swab test. They are also carrying out deep cleaning and sanitisation at the premises.

– Various businesses in Sarawak

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee releases a list of locations visited by Covid-19 patients days before testing positive.

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RESIDENCES

– Various residential areas in Bandar Muadzam Shah, Rompin, Pahang

The government yesterday announced the enforcement of an enhanced movement control order on Bandar Muadzam Shah beginning today (Feb 9) until Feb 22. The order affects these residential areas:

• Desa Bidara
• Desa Keranji
• Taman Redan Perdana
• Desa Melor
• Desa Mawar 1
• Desa Mawar 2
• Desa Jati 1
• Desa Jati 2
• Desa Anggerik
• Desa Kenanga
• Desa Tanjung
• Desa Dahlia 1
• Desa Dahlia 2
• Desa Cempaka
• Desa Alamanda
• Pinggir Pelangi
• Desa Semarak
• Desa Teratai

– Taman Saujana and Taman Makmur, Segamat, Johor

According to the Segamat Health Office, a case was found at each of these two residential areas yesterday.

It said the Taman Saujana case involves a one-year-old child while the person infected at Taman Makmur is aged 7.

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DETENTION FACILITIES

– National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Detention Centre, Kota Tinggi, Johor

A total of five Covid-19 cases were detected here yesterday, the Kota Tinggi Health Department said.

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EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

– International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Selangor

Malaysiakini learned that the university located in Gombak, Selangor is the higher learning institution involved in Jalan Gombak Cluster announced by the Health Ministry last week.

According to MOH press release on Feb 4, the Jalan Gombak Cluster has recorded 41 positive cases from 1,110 individuals screened for Covid-19.

When contacted today, a spokesperson for IIUM declined to comment on issues related to cluster announcement, citing that it is under the power of the health authority.

The spokesperson however could confirm that there have been several positive cases detected at the Gombak campus recently, and all individuals who were tested positive had been sent for treatment.

The university also assures that the situation in the campus is under control, with strict SOPs being implemented including implementation of no-visitor policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19 from outside into the university.

[More to follow]

Source : Malaysiakini

The policy of making compulsory testing on foreign workers was well-intended, albeit not thoroughly thought through. 

This is a classic case of the failure of problem-solving; when policymakers are really not well in the grasp of what they want to achieve and hence how to strategise to achieve it.

One-off testing of all workers in a workplace is a knee-jerk reaction to the call for more testings done to bend or flatten the curve. Beyond merely isolating them, once found positive, what else needed doing to ensure that the workplace, eg a factory, must not be lockdown by the authority, because of the outbreak?

What we seriously are in need of, is a program called POIS (Preventing outbreak on ignition sites) by Selangor Task Force Covid-19 (STFC).

Admittedly, many large outbreaks of Covid-19 have been reported as arising from large worker communities living in close, confined, quarters. STFC calls this “Ignition sites”.

POIS is a cross-sectoral “win-win-win” tripartite partnership between government, the private sector, and NGOs to:

• Encourage the adoption of Enhanced Public Health Measures (EPHM) by employers who have middle-large workforces.
• Strengthen an Early Detection Testing Regime (EDTR), based on rapid and frequent testing, to identify and act on potential cases as quickly as possible.
• Facilitate Health Education, especially Covid-19 related, among workers.

The key to achieving EPHM is premised on establishing “Internal bubbles” as to secure safe workplaces. A “bubble” is a group/cohort of workers, of between five to 30 persons (depending on the nature of manufacturing/construction teams, supervision required, and mix of expertise needed within a team) who are to be kept isolated, to the greatest extent possible, isolated from other workers “bubbles”. 

Each bubble will work (eg, in a designated assembly line or zone within a construction site), travel (between work and living quarters), and live (eat, sleep/rest, and play) separately from other bubbles. As far as possible, workers from different bubbles should not mix with each other at any time.

In order to minimise “external contact”, supporting services (such as catering and cleaning) and deliveries must be put in place. Avoid a situation where there are individuals who mix widely and freely across bubbles and sites and poses threat as potential “super-spreaders”. 

For catering, consider providing meal options for workers so that they will not need to source for cooked food or food ingredients from outside the site.

It is vital to achieve an early detection testing regime (EDTR). To this end, tests to be used are RTK-Ag and/or “Pooled PCR” (depending on numbers needing testing and availability of test kits) of the same “bubble”. Data and results managed by SELangkah.

To achieve “periodic and high-frequency testing”, POIS will involve periodic testing (ideally, but not strictly, two-weekly) of workers who are potential “super-spreaders”, ie those who are more likely than average to be mingling with many different people within the site and/or those working in crowded ie multi-taskers who have to work across “bubbles” – cleaning crew, canteen crew.

Finally, POIS advocates the component of “health education”. In collaboration with NGOs and other partners, printable posters and mobile phone deployable Covid-19 risk communications and other relevant material will be adapted (from existing materials) and/or developed in various languages.

To enhance the ability to continue learning and adapting, the EPHM and EDTR are subject to organic revision from time-to-time based on evidence and feedback from stakeholders. Regular feedback and performance meetings are organised to improve and adapt this programme over the course of the pandemic, with participant employers invited to partake and provide useful feedback.

Preventing outbreaks and securing “safe workplaces” requires more than just one-off testing of foreign workers to determine their “Covid-19 status”. 

Besides getting the buy-in of the “stakeholders” and owners of industries, STFC wishes to share and offer POIS to the Health Ministry and federal government, along with the other states governments.

Source : Malaysiakini

‘For personal reasons, I will not be participating in any reunion dinners this year.’

Family reunion rules relaxed as NSC updates CNY SOP yet again

Coward: What can I say about the original standard operating procedure (SOP) for this week’s Chinese New Year celebrations?

Too many bad things. It was beyond a laughing stock. So much so that I am actually ashamed for the government that it actually presented the SOP.

It makes a mockery of understanding the culture of different races. My Malay and Indian colleagues and I exhibit an understanding of each other’s culture way better than the SOP implied.

The document (original SOP) actually shows signs that there had been consultation with Chinese associations.

Unfortunately, it also shows no sign that the government understands what they were told. Instead, it chooses to lobotomise words from the consultation just to show that they consulted. This is classic bureaucratic nonsense.

Obviously, they did not bother to go back to talk to the associations after the first consultation.

The errors in the document are so bad that the attempt to blame the Chinese associations backfired – there was no way anyone believed they were properly consulted.

Worst of all, nobody bothers to proofread the document. Otherwise, a lot of contradictions in the document would have been caught.

The minister had been incompetent. At the minimum, he should have read the document of such importance with a critical mind. He didn’t.

In all, what we see is bureaucracy at its worst, it is doing a job without care over the outcome. It shows how out of touch the government is with the people.

Ace: Actually, most Chinese are not against the stricter SOP and not gathering for the family reunion dinner. However, what is objected to is the condescending way the authorities put it.

Whether it is the reunion dinner or visits on the first day, second day or the eighth day of Chinese New Year, just say “stay within 10km”, “don’t cross borders or districts”, “maximum 10 persons”, etc. And you can only go out of your house to purchase essential necessities. All will be happy with that, CNY or no CNY.

It is an insult to our intelligence and to the public that we need the government’s permission to take our reunion dinner if it is just for family members staying in the same house as it will be just like any other dinner!

Must we get their permission to brush our teeth too?

Cocomomo: The younger ones, who may be asymptomatic or more resistant as their immune systems are stronger, should avoid visiting their elderly parents and grandparents.

Love your family members by not visiting them and putting them at risk. Use technology instead, for example, online get-togethers.

Avoid creating CNY clusters. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Ipoh PP: They opened up for Christmas in late December and the New Year on Jan 1, and it led to a rise in Covid-19 cases. Now with the rumble and unhappiness, they have opened the floodgates for CNY.

People can’t even make the sacrifice of not meeting up just for once. They have to meet up and eat together. Come on, while these are traditions but in a pandemic like this, we need to give up some of our traditions for everyone’s betterment and safety.

Since the Chinese community is not prepared to make the little sacrifice, let us wait for 10 to 12 days from CNY day. Believe me, there will be a rise, and Covid-19 will be out of control!

Another Clown: For personal reasons, I will not be participating in any reunion dinners this year.

But to all those soothsayers who anticipate a hike in cases after the reunion dinners, please share the theoretical framework of your analysis.

Who has proof as to the real reasons for the hike in cases in January 2021? I read that some were due to the delayed reporting from December.

Have we also looked at the graphs for our immediate neighbours, Thailand and Indonesia? Both share a similar pattern like Malaysia – a huge hike in December and January.

Singapore initially allowed up to 100 people in each church congregation in early October and allowed up to 250 people to convene in some churches during Christmas, and yet the nation has the lowest cases in this region.

Read that again, 250 people! Their government must be doing something right that our government isn’t.

So, I will say to all and sundry, take the necessary precautions whether or not you are having reunion dinners. Ensure social distancing, wear masks and wash your hands.

ScarletGopher9210: Next time, leaders need to be mindful and understand other races’ cultures.

There are many reasons why Malaysia must have a multiracial government – this is just one of them and mind you, there are plenty of benefits for having so.

It’s about doing what’s right and at the same time being respectful/understanding of all races/religions.

Oct: Why can’t the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government practise the philosophy of “doing things right, the first time”? We have seen many pushing different SOPs even though they have one plus year of experience.

Their heads must be very dense. There is no empathy as well. Overall, none of the ministers has done any work beyond the call of duty. Most of them are earning ‘gaji buta’.

Johanian2: I think the government did the right thing by listening to the grouses and the new guideline for CNY’s eve reunion is acceptable.

Let’s not point to other flaws at this point and be happy with what we can do. Everyone has to make sacrifices.

Discussions on other flaws can wait. Maybe after CNY, as businesses will be allowed to open. But that is for another discussion down the road.

Source : Malaysiakini

RESIDENCES

– Laman Desaru Coast, Kota Tinggi, Johor

A cluster of cases were found here, the Health Ministry said.

A total of 11 out of 228 individuals screened tested positive for Covid-19 to date.

The index case was detected on Jan 27 through symptomatic screening, the ministry said.

– Kampung Sebangkoi, Undop, Sri Aman, Sarawak

A total of 23 cases have been detected in this village to date, the Health Ministry said.

The index case was detected on Jan 31 through symptomatic screening.

– Kampung Tandak, Jerteh, Terengganu

The index case of the Kampung Tandak cluster resided here, the Health Ministry said.

The cluster, which has 16 cases to date, involved a services company.

The index case was detected on Feb 3 through symptomatic screening.

– Teratai Mewah condo, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur

A resident at Block 50 tested positive for Covid-19, the management said in a notice to residents dated Feb 2.

The affected resident is now undergoing treatment at Hospital Sungai Buloh, it said in the notice sighted by Malaysiakini.

– Desa Airmas condo, Gelugor, Penang

A resident tested positive for Covid-19, the management said in a notice to residents dated Feb 6.

The management said it has taken measures to sanitise frequently accessed areas and frequently touched surfaces.

– Kiara Tiasa, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur

A resident of Block A tested positive for Covid-19 on Jan 26, the management said in a notice to residents sighted by Malaysiakini.

This was the third case in January but is unrelated to the first two cases on Jan 9 and 17 respectively, the management said.

– Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom staff quarters, Kluang, Johor

Two Covid-19 cases were detected here yesterday through close contact tracing, the Kluang Health Office said.

– Various residential areas in Kluang

According to the Kluang Health Office, Covid-19 cases were located in the following residential areas in Kluang, Johor on Feb 5, 6 and 7:

• Kampung Tengah Kluang
• Taman Rekamas
• Taman Kampung Tengah
• Kampng Tengah
• Kampung Dato Abdul Rahman Yassin
• Taman Sri Kluang
• Kampung Batu 7, Simpang Renggam
• Taman Putrimas
• Taman Kluang Barat

– Various residential areas in Kedah

The following are residential locations where Covid-19 cases were detected on Feb 6, according to the Kedah Health Department:

Kuala Muda district

• Bandar Amanjaya
• Taman Sari
• Kampung Gurun Baru
• Bandar Puteri Jaya
• Taman Arked

Kota Setar District

• Kampung Tasak
• Baling district
• Kampung Batu 8
  

Sik District

• Kampung Jelutong
• Kampung Sungai Pau
  

Kulim district

• Taman Mahsuri
• Kulim Utama
• Taman Seri Seladang
• Kampung Keladi
• Taman Petaling Jaya
• Kampung Pondok Labu
• Taman Kulim Techno City
• Taman Kenangan
• Taman Murni Indah
• Taman Sungai Kob
  

– Various residential areas in Batu Pahat, Johor

Below are localities in Batu Pahat where Covid-19 cases were detected yesterday, according to the local health office:https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpenbatupahat%2Fposts%2F2760545864258927&width=500&show_text=true&height=671&appId

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EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

– Chong Hwa Independent High School, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur

A teacher and a Form Six student tested positive for Covid-19 on Jan 31, the school said in a notice to parents.

However, Form Six classes have been conducted online since Jan 27, it said.

The school said both individuals are in quarantine and the school’s office and classrooms have been sanitised.

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DETENTION FACILITIES

– Kluang Prison, Johor

An inmate tested positive for Covid-19 on Feb 5 when screened before attending a court hearing, the Kluang Health Office said.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES

– Jelebu Hospital, Taman Bukit Petaling, Negeri Sembilan

A total of 16 cases were detected to date at a medical centre located at Taman Bukit Petaling, Negeri Sembilan, the Health Ministry said.

The index case was detected on Feb 4 through symptomatic screening.

The ministry did not name the medical centre but Malaysiakini’s checks found the only medical centre at Taman Bukit Petaling is the Jelebu Hospital.

To date, 187 individuals have been screened in this cluster.

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GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND OFFICES

– Mahkota Army Camp, Taman Sri Menanti, Kluang, Johor

According to the Kluang Health Office, several cases were detected at this army camp.

It is unclear if these cases were part of the Sri Menanti cluster which the Health Ministry said was traced to a public administration centre in Taman Sri Menanti, Kluang.

To date, 11 of 20 individuals screened were found to be Covid-19 positive.

– Ar-Rahnu Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim), Sibu, Sarawak

A customer who tested positive for Covid-19 visited the building on Feb 4, from 1.10pm to 1.30pm.

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MARKETS

– Pasar Tamu Sibuya, Sibu, Sarawak

A customer who tested positive for Covid-19 visited the market on Jan 29, from 11.51am to 12.10pm.

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BUSINESSES

– Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru, Johor

A cluster of cases has been detected through targeted screening of staff here, the Health Ministry said.

To date, eight of 78 staff members screened tested positive for Covid-19.

On Feb 4, the mall said security guards there contracted the disease. 

– Various businesses in Sarawak

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee has released a daily list of locations visited by those who tested positive for Covid-19.

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OTHERS

– Lengkok Pantai Baharu, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur

A cluster of cases were detected among cleaners who work in a building on this road, the Health Ministry said, but the ministry did not specify which building.

The road leads to an enclave with a small number of buildings, including Telekom Malaysia buildings Annexe 1, 2 and Menara TM, the Pullman Hotel and the Pantai police station.

To date, 29 out of 122 workers screened have tested positive for Covid-19, it said. 

Source : Malaysiakini