BREAKING: First Case of Omicron Detected in Malaysia

An Omicron variant case has been detected in Malaysia as of yesterday, 2 December 2021.

Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, shared the worrisome news in a statement.

“The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has conducted PCR Genotyping Assay tests to over 74 Covid-19 positive samples detected at KLIA from 11 November to 28 November.”

“As a result of the PCR Genotyping Assay tests, one of the samples was detected to most likely be the Omicron variant. Genome sequence subsequently implemented found positive results for the Omicron variant on 2 December”, he wrote.

The case involves a 19-year-old non-Malaysian student at a private university in Ipoh, who arrived from South Africa via Singapore on 19 November.

“The case has been given a Supervision and Observation Order under Section 15 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) and will undergo compulsory quarantine at the accommodation provided by the university in Ipoh”, he shared, adding that the patient journeyed from KLIA to Ipoh in a bus provided by the university.

“Close contact detection was carried out on all bus passengers and the driver, a total of five people. They have undergone Covid-19 screening tests and mandatory quarantines. The first sample tests and second test on close contacts were confirmed negative”, he explained.

In order to control and contain any further risk of the Omicron variant, travelers arriving from high-risk countries will be given tracking devices throughout their Surveillance and Observation Orders (quarantine).

Travelers arriving from high-risk countries who plan to head to Langkawi will also have to undergo additional Covid-19 detection tests on the third and fifth day from the date of their arrival.

In the meantime, the VTL-Singapore will proceed as planned and travel restrictions on the eight known countries is still in effect.