KUALA LUMPUR – Some 98 crew members of KD Mahawangsa have tested positive for Covid-19, despite their RTK Antigen test results returning negative before boarding.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the members are not showing any symptom, but have been isolated on board the vessel.
“After a few days coming on board, they were found to be Covid-19-positive,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
“God willing, their tests will show negative results after 10 days, and they will be allowed to leave quarantine.
“We have yet to determine how they got infected, but, as we know, Covid-19 is (spreading) in the community. Perhaps the infected crew members caught it before they set sail, or when they were at home or out buying goods.”
Ismail Sabri said the Defence Ministry is in talks with the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee to get a direct supply of the Sinovac vaccine, which is being bottled by Pharmaniaga Bhd.
This is to ensure herd immunity among ministry personnel and officers, and their family members, he added.
“We have about 500,000 personnel, including their families, and are targeting to inoculate 200,000 per month so we can achieve herd immunity in three months.”
Ismail Sabri was visiting a drive-through vaccination centre at the Sg Besi military camp here.
He was joined by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Defence Forces chief Tan Sri Affendi Buang. – The Vibes, June 8, 2021
