COVID-19 infections in Malaysia remain stable and show a significant downward trend compared to last year, with no deaths recorded throughout this year.
A statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) informed that despite neighbouring countries reporting an increase in cases recently, the number of Covid-19 cases in the country as of Epidemiology Week (ME) 19/2026, decreased by 12.6 per cent (9,682 cases) compared to the same period last year.
"Despite an increase of 0.7 per cent (575 cases compared to ME18/2026), the situation remains under control.
"This is because the vast majority of reported cases only involve mild symptoms that do not require hospital treatment, and no deaths due to Covid-19 have been recorded this year," the statement said.
MOH said that the ongoing genomic sequencing activities have also detected several new subvariants in the community, but the variants do not show a tendency to trigger a serious wave of infections.
"MOH will continue to strengthen screening of travellers at International Entry Points and collaborate with the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to ensure early detection and for immediate action to be taken, should there be an increase in the risk of Covid-19 transmissions from abroad," it said.
MOH informed that Covid-19 infections are now managed in the category of common respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza.
In this regard, the public is advised to continue to practice self-care, including maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a face mask if symptomatic or in crowded areas, and obtaining vaccination protection.
"Vaccination is highly encouraged, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, immunocompromised people, and pregnant women, to reduce the risk of infection complications.
"This vaccination service is available at selected government health clinics nationwide," according to the statement.
Recently, Singapore was reported to be monitoring the increase in Covid-19 cases following 12,700 cases reported for the week of May 10 to 16, compared to 8,000 cases the previous week. – May 24, 2026
