KUALA LUMPUR – Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday, will now continue his mandatory quarantine in a military hospital here.
In a brief statement today, the Sembrong MP said the decision was made to ensure his health continues to be satisfactory.
“I have been advised to undergo isolation at Angkatan Tentera Tuanku Mizan Hospital for treatment and monitoring purposes.”
He said while he is experiencing symptoms, his health is in good condition at present.
He also thanked those who sent him well wishes and prayed for his well being.
“I have received so many messages and prayers since yesterday. I apologise as I am not able to reply to every one of them.”
Yesterday, the minister’s office had confirmed Hishammuddin’s positive status and said he would be undergoing mandatory quarantine in line with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
The Umno lawmaker, who also chairs the Covid-19 Quartet Ministers' Meeting, has already received his vaccine booster dose.
According to his office, Hishammuddin has been conducting periodic Covid-19 RT-PCR tests and self-tests on a regular basis, with his last test on Friday negative.
Hishammuddin’s infection comes just over a week after he violated Covid-19 standard operating procedures when attending a Barisan Nasional event in Johor, in conjunction with the upcoming state election.
The minister was seen present at the venue on February 13 that was packed with individuals disregarding safety precautions and physical distancing rules.
Fellow Umno member and Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin later ordered the Health Ministry to issue compound notices to Hishammuddin and other leaders who were present at the event.
Hishammuddin’s blatant disregard of government SOPs had provoked the ire of various quarters who demanded his resignation, although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob defended his cabinet member’s position. – The Vibes, February 23, 2022
