PRESS STATEMENT
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
UPDATES ON THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)
SITUATION IN MALAYSIA
Current Status of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Who Have Recovered
15 May 2020 – The Ministry of Health (MOH) would like to inform that 88 cases have fully recovered and discharged well today. Cumulatively, 5,439 confirmed COVID-19 cases have fully recovered (79.3% of total cumulative cases).
Current Situation of COVID-19 in Malaysia
15 May 2020, 12 pm – A total of 36 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported to the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) MOH today, of which 28 cases are amongst non-Malaysians.
Cumulatively there are now 6,855 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Malaysia. Therefore, there are currently 1,304 active and infective COVID-19 cases.
Currently, 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases are receiving treatment in intensive care units (ICU), and of these, five (5) cases are on ventilation support.
Fortunately, no additional COVID-19 death was reported to the National CPRC MOH today. Cumulatively, there are 112 COVID-19 deaths in Malaysia (1.63% of total cumulative cases).
Strengthening the Laboratory Information and Database Management System for COVID-19 Tests for More Efficient and Accurate Reporting
MOH is currently undertaking consolidation of COVID-19 related data. In collaboration with other agencies such as the National Security Council (NSC) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), a database system has been developed. Known as e-COVID, this system ensures more efficient, timely and accurate data collection from the field.
In addition, standardisation of the laboratory data management systems from all COVID-19 laboratories (i.e. from MOH, universities, MOSTI, military hospitals and private laboratories) has been strengthened using the Public Health Laboratory Information System (SIMKA). This system was developed by the National Public Health Laboratory (MKAK) and has been used by all COVID-19 laboratories since mid-April 2020.
This is a good achievement compared to previously, where field and laboratory data were collated and reported manually.
As of 14 May 2020, MOH has reported that a total of 297,342 individuals have undergone COVID-19 testing, of which 6,819 were found to be positively (a positive rate of 2.29%). However, with the use of this improved data collection system, MOH would like to inform that as of 15 May 2020, 12 pm, MOH has screened a total of 424,306 individuals, of which 6,855 were positive for COVID-19 and 417,451 were negative. This resulted in a positive rate of 1.62%. In addition, the number of individuals screened is 13 individuals per 1,000 population.
This shows that Malaysia has one of the highest screening rates amongst the ASEAN countries. The COVID-19 screening was conducted as targeted screening amongst high-risk groups for COVID-19 infection.
This data consolidation work could not have been carried out without the cooperation of various parties, including the seven private laboratories. MOH looks forward to the continuous cooperation of all laboratories and that all relevant data can be provided in the interest of country in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Advisory on COVID-19
MOH seeks the cooperation of the public in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia by adhering to THiS:
- T: Terms and SOPs set under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)
- Hi: High-risk groups such as children, infants, older adults and the disabled must be protected, and if unwell with symptoms, to seek early treatment
- S: Safe social distancing is practiced at all times, of at least 1 metre away from others
The public is also advised to adhere to the 3Cs and 3Ws as recommended by MOH:
- Avoid the 3Cs: Crowded places; Confined spaces; Close conversations
- Practice the 3Ws: Wash hands frequently with water and soap; Wearing facemasks is advisable in public areas or if symptomatic; Warn self and others for the following
- Avoid shaking hands or touching others
- Practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Stay at home and go out only for important matters
- Seek treatment if symptomatic
MOH will continue to monitor the development of the COVID-19 situation, both in the country as well as internationally, based on available information from the World Health Organization (WHO). The public will be continuously updated on the latest information. In addition, MOH will ensure that appropriate preventive and control measures are continuously implemented.
Thank you.
Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah
Director General of Health Malaysia
15 May 2020 @ 4.30 pm
Number of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Malaysia, by States
(Cumulative, as of 15 May 2020, 12 pm)
| State | No. of New Cases * | Cumulative |
| Perlis | 0 | 18 |
| Kedah | 0 | 95 |
| Pulau Pinang | 0 | 121 |
| Perak | 0 | 255 |
| Selangor | 14 | 1,627 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 1 | 776 |
| Melaka | 1 (1) | 215 |
| Johor | 0 | 668 |
| Pahang | 5 | 328 |
| Terengganu | 0 | 110 |
| Kelantan | 0 | 155 |
| Sabah | 0 | 330 |
| Sarawak | 0 | 544 |
| WP Kuala Lumpur | 15 | 1,508 |
| WP Putrajaya | 0 | 89 |
| WP Labuan | 0 | 16 |
| Total | 36 (1) | 6,855 |
*( ) refers to imported confirmed COVID-19 cases
