Malaysia

Growing youth Covid-19 fatalities in S’wak raises alarms

Netizens blame non-compliance with SOPs, as authorities urge those with symptoms to seek early medical advice

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 29 Apr 2021 3:34PM

Growing youth Covid-19 fatalities in S’wak raises alarms
Half of the 6 Covid-19 fatalities in Sarawak yesterday involved young people, as the death toll from the pandemic in the state rose to 171. – The Vibes file pic, April 29, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – The growing trend of the young dying from Covid-19 before they are even treated is raising eyebrows among the authorities, representatives and the public in Sarawak.

Yesterday saw three deaths involving younger people in the state, adding to the recent case of a 31-year-old man who was found dead in Miri due to the coronavirus.

Netizen Ferdauz Jumain raised concerns about the severity of the state’s outbreak.

“Looks like there is an emerging trend of Covid-19 deaths involving young people in Sarawak.

“They were found dead before they could be treated.

“Their deaths were later confirmed by the hospital to be due to Covid-19.

“Is this emerging trend of deadly attack(s) on young people in Sarawak caused by a new variant of Covid-19?,” he asked.

Other social media users also voiced their concern on the increasing number of young people who appeared lackadaisical in their adherence to Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, also shared his concerns about the young being found dead in their homes due to the coronavirus.

He said that while health authorities investigate these cases, the public must also have a sense of urgency in addressing the issue.

“Such cases show that even the young can end up with fatal results if they do not seek early treatment when infected.

“No matter how mild the symptoms may be, go seek medical help immediately.

“Timing is crucial. Getting checked, being isolated fast will enable quarantine and treatment to be instituted faster.

“This could save lives,” he said.

Dr Sim, who is on the advisory panel of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said it is true that Covid-19 is attacking the population, aged between 20 and 40.

Last month, he disclosed that the University Malaysia Sarawak campus had discovered three new variants of Covid-19 in the state.

He however, said these new variants are not as lethal as the South African variant.

Yesterday, Sarawak saw six more Covid-19 fatalities, bringing the death toll to 171 to date.

Two deaths were at Bintulu Hospital involving males aged 30 and 52 and another at Sibu Hospital, a 37-year-old male.

They were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

“They were found unconscious at their homes and tests confirmed they died of Covid-19,” the committee’s secretariat said. – The Vibes, April 29, 2021

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