KUALA LUMPUR – Amid calls for the special Dewan Rakyat sitting to be extended beyond 5.30pm, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah revealed that 56 Covid-19 cases were detected in relation to Parliament as of yesterday.
In a statement today, he said the infections involve two MPs, six escort officers, and 48 officials from various government agencies.
“This brings the positivity rate to 2.7%. Of these 56 cases, 39 (69.6%) comprise those who have not been fully immunised or received the vaccine at all.
“As of yesterday, according to investigations and risk assessments, the positive cases do not have epidemiological correlations with one another.”
He said those confirmed positive for the coronavirus are not allowed to attend the sitting.
“They were isolated, treated, and put under the surveillance and observation order, along with their close contacts, a day before the special sitting started.
“Investigations are ongoing to detect more close contacts.
“As of July 28, four close contacts tested positive. All four have been absent since day one of the sitting.”
He said those present in Parliament must abide by the standard operating procedures to ensure a smooth session.
“Risk monitoring and assessments will continue until the end of the sitting.
“The Health Ministry reminds each individual to be jointly responsible, comply with the SOPs, and observe the new normal.”
Since the session began on Monday, lawmakers have, on multiple occasions, issued requests to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun to extend the allotted time each day.
However, these calls have been shot down, with Azhar this morning saying the matter is beyond his jurisdiction.
During the session today, Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the government is compelled to follow Dr Noor Hisham’s advice. – The Vibes, July 29, 2021
