MIRI – A state minister has sounded the alarm on the possibility of the Indian Covid-19 variant entering Sarawak soon.
Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who holds the housing and local government portfolio, today said the South African variant is already present in the state.
“I wonder when the Indian variant will arrive in Sarawak, too.”
The state Disaster Management Committee adviser said it is highly likely that entries from the peninsula brought the South African mutation to Sarawak.
He warned that the Indian variant will be much more difficult to tackle.
“The incubation period of the Indian variant can be up to 21 days before the carrier shows symptoms. It will be much more difficult to detect or control transmissions.”
Sarawakians are facing the possibility of more Covid-19 variants, especially in Kuching and Miri.
The South African variant has been detected in Kuching, while the B.1.530 variant has been found to be dominant in Miri and Kuching.
Prof Dr David Pereira, head of the Institute of Health and Community Medicine at University Malaysia Sarawak, last week disclosed his latest findings.
“Seven cases of the South African variant have been found in Kuching. The most recent case was detected on May 7.
“We have also detected the B.1.530 variant that is dominant in Miri. That variant has been found in Kuching, too.
“There are additional cases of the P.3 Philippine variant found in Sarikei and Sibu.
“The local Pasai variant in Sibu continues to circulate statewide, and two samples of this variant share similarities with the UK variant.”
These coronavirus mutations are much more aggressive in terms of transmission, he said. – The Vibes, May 26, 2021
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