Malaysia sees biggest daily coronavirus spike, as politicians criticised over response

Malaysia reported 287 new cases, the highest number since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many linked to regional elections in Sabah

Meanwhile, King Al-Sultan Abdullah left hospital, which may lead some movement in Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership challenge to PM Muhyiddin Yassin

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Malaysians line up at a bus stop in Kuala Lumpur. At least two politicians have tested positive as people took to social media to lambast them for violating social distancing protocols and refusing to self-isolate. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:05pm, 2 Oct 2020Updated: 9:09pm, 2 Oct 2020

Malaysia on Friday recorded the biggest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases since the outbreak began as authorities consider whether it needs to bring back movement limits to curb infections.

The country reported 287 new Covid-19 cases, all of which were found in the country and not among travellers from overseas, according to the Health Ministry. The state of Kedah reported the highest number of infections at 129, followed by Sabah with 113 and Selangor, which neighbours the capital Kuala Lumpur, at 31. The total now stands at 11,771 cases and 136 deaths.

Malaysia has reported a steady climb in cases after an increase in travellers to Sabah, on Borneo island, ahead of its state polls last Saturday.

Health director general Noor Hisham Abdullah told a briefing on Friday that Malaysia remains in the recovery phase of its movement restriction policy, with the government continuing to monitor the virus situation to decide on any necessary restrictions.

It was only on June 10 that the country allowed nearly all activities to resume, after letting most economic sectors to reopen on May 4. The government extended the current phase of the lockdown until the end of the year, with the country still keeping its international borders shut and restricting overseas travel.

The increase on Friday exceeded the previous high of 277 on June 4. While the spike in June was mostly concentrated in detention centres, the current resurgence is linked to various gatherings, which makes it more difficult to track and contain, Noor Hisham said.

“We advise people to avoid large gatherings, and if such gatherings can’t be avoided then to ensure the health guidelines are followed,” he said.

Noor Hisham said the spike in Sabah could have been mitigated by compliance with the guidelines, which include minimising physical contact, wearing face masks and washing hands regularly. “We are not blaming [anyone], but we are reminding … we hope that all of us learn this lesson so we do not repeat this mistake again.”