SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry expects a slight increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the next few weeks following the detection of a small wave of infections with the Omicron XBB subvariant in the country.
Its caretaker minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, however advised the public not to be alarmed by the development, but to always stay vigilant, as the country was still in transition to the endemic phase.
"We have detected the XBB strain in Malaysia, but so far it has not led to an increase in terms of hospital admissions and deaths. That is the most important measurement.
"To what extent cases will increase, my officials at the ministry are making a projection based on the infection model we have before and next week I will be able to give a more accurate projection," he told reporters after presenting devices under the Malaysian Family Student Device programme at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seremban campus here, today.
It was reported earlier that Singapore's Health Ministry informed that the number of Covid-19 cases in the country had increased since last month, mainly caused by the Omicron XBB subvariant, with the wave of XBB infections expected to peak in mid-November.
Khairy said that though there was the possibility of an increase in cases in Malaysia, for now, the ministry had no plans to reinstate any restrictions, including enforcing face masks to be worn.
"The transition to the endemic phase must take into account the mutation of the virus to a new variant, if an unexpected new variant can increase infectivity, effects and symptoms, only then will we review (face mask requirement), but so far it is not necessary," he said.
He said the Health Ministry had not introduced additional measures for individuals commuting between Johor Baru and Singapore, but the ministry was constantly monitoring and had been in contact with Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry had sent a proposed standard operating procedure (SOP) to the Election Commission for the 15th General Election (GE15) and no additional measures or restrictions had been introduced.
"I see that the situation is under control so we don't want any restrictions. If you want to hold a talk, you are free to do so, but wear a mask in a crowded place. The ministry has given its recommendations to the EC so that voting can be conducted safely, " he said.
Earlier, during the handover ceremony, Khairy said digital devices were no longer a luxury, but a necessity as numerous information on courses, research and so forth were available online.
"This programme is an investment, and so far it is for the B40 group, but it may be expanded further," he added. -- Bernama