[UPDATED] 6,493 new Covid-19 cases take M’sia closer to half-million mark; 50 more deaths logged

KUALA LUMPUR – It is the third day of Malaysia logging over 6,000 new Covid-19 cases, with the Health Ministry this afternoon announcing another 6,493 infections.

This brings the country’s total caseload to 498,795, nearing the half-million mark.

In a tweet, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Selangor remains in the top spot with 2,163 fresh infections, making for a state total of 163,747.

It is followed by Kuala Lumpur with 641 cases, Sarawak (612), Kelantan (467), Kedah (434), Johor (406), Perak (382) and Negri Sembilan (370).

Penang has 302 cases, Melaka (165), Pahang (161), Sabah (144), Terengganu (139), Labuan (84), Putrajaya (20) and Perlis (3).

Of the new infections, 453 are non-citizens.

The ministry also announced another 50 coronavirus fatalities – one of them a foreigner – bringing the toll to 2,149.

There are 643 Covid-19 patients in intensive care, with 363 intubated.

Recoveries today stand at 4,508, making for a total of 444,540.

The new deaths involved Malaysians except for a 55-year-old who died at Kajang Hospital. She reportedly suffered complications arising from diabetes.

The oldest victim, a 90-year-old woman who died at Penang General Hospital, had a history of diabetes and dyslipidemia.

The youngest, a 35-year-old man with a history of high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

Eighteen more virus clusters were detected, making for 529 active clusters currently, while another 17 were declared contained.

Ten of the fresh clusters involve worksites in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor, Perak, Penang, Negri Sembilan and Melaka, logging a total of 187 infections.

Three clusters, in Perak, Melaka and Labuan, are community ones, with 75 cases in total.

Five clusters involving religious activities were identified in Selangor, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, with an overall 131 cases. – The Vibes, May 21, 2021