KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry refuted news that an Omicron Covid-19 variant case has been detected in Perak.
In a statement, the ministry warned the public against trusting unverified messages that go viral on social media.
It added that currently Malaysia has not recorded any Omicron cases.
The ministry also cautioned the public against sharing unverified information that may cause panic.
The World Health Organisation has listed Omicron as a variant of concern, and countries around the world are now restricting travel from southern African nations, where the new strain was first detected, and taking other new precautions.
WHO said it could take several weeks to know if there are significant changes in transmissibility, severity, or implications for Covid-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments.
Last Friday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said those with a history of travel to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in the last 14 days would not be permitted to enter Malaysia starting November 27.
He said Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders are allowed to enter the country but must observe a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated quarantine centres.
However, screening samples will be taken from inbound travellers of the seven countries for genomic survey. – The Vibes, November 30, 2021
