Malaysia reports first Covid-19 fatality this year

KUALA LUMPUR: A Covid-19-related death has been reported during the 24th epidemiological week, coinciding with a 14 per cent increase in infections, which rose to 3,379 cases, according to the Health Ministry.
In a statement, the ministry said it marks the first Covid-19 fatality since May 26, 2024.
The patient had underlying conditions, including diabetes and heart disease and had not received the second booster dose of the vaccine.
The ministry said the number of Covid-19 deaths has seen a significant decline this year, with only one case reported as of the 24th epidemiological week, compared to 57 deaths recorded throughout 2024.
"This development is a reflection of the effectiveness of the control and prevention measures that the ministry has implemented."
A total of 21,738 Covid-19 cases have been reported cumulatively, with the weekly average remaining at around 900 cases.
The ministry added, during the 24th epidemiological week, six Covid-19 cases were admitted to the intensive care unit.
"These involved individuals with underlying health conditions (high-risk groups) such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, heart disease and Down syndrome.
"Of these, four have been allowed to return home, while the remaining two were transferred to regular wards for continued treatment."
As a proactive preventive measure, the ministry encourages high-risk groups, including the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised adolescents, pregnant women and healthcare workers, to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Individuals aged 18 and above are also eligible to receive the vaccine on a voluntary basis, following consultation with a medical officer.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

3 hours ago

• The Star

Perak seeks comprehensive upgrade of East-West Highway

IPOH: The Perak state government aims to include a comprehensive upgrade of the East-West Highway in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. The Perak Mentri Besar said that the proposal is essential and discussions with the Public Works Department are underway, as the state believes patching the 40-year-old highway is no longer sufficient. 'The federal government, through JKR, should reassess the highway's alignment and consider a full reconstruction, not just resurfacing. 'This is because the highway structure is outdated and parts of the damage even expose the base layer, and simple patch jobs will likely no longer suffice. 'We understand it requires a substantial allocation, and when I was with the Prime Minister at a recent event in Lumut, I took the opportunity to raise this matter and conveyed our concerns about the highway,' he told reporters after closing the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 on Saturday (June 21). Saarani mentioned that the Prime Minister noted the high cost involved. 'But at the very least, the state government has registered our official stance. We will send an official letter once the state executive councillor obtains accurate data and technical input from JKR, as this is a technical matter,' he said. Saarani added that the state executive councillor in charge of health is also asked to prepare a formal application to the Health Ministry to upgrade the hospital and medical facilities in Gerik. He said due to frequent accidents along the highway, Gerik Hospital has become a critical facility and needs adequate specialists and infrastructure. 'This is very important, otherwise, accident victims have to be transported to Taiping or Ipoh. 'If Gerik Hospital is sufficiently upgraded with the necessary facilities and expertise, it would be enough to treat those patients there. 'Sometimes it takes around two hours to travel from Gerik to Ipoh, and the same to Taiping. 'If the injury is severe, immediate treatment in Gerik would be sufficient if it has the proper equipment and specialists,' he said. Asked if there was any timeframe given to both the state executive councillors, Saarani answered no. On June 9, 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students were killed after a bus crashed on the highway.

Malaysian Reserve

11 hours ago

• Malaysian Reserve

Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Reaches $1.8 Billion: Kalorama Report Spotlights Rapid PCR Innovation and Expanding Frontiers in STI and HAI Testing

ARLINGTON, Va., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kalorama Information, a leading authority in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market research, has released Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Outlook and Innovations, 2024–2029, estimating the global mPOC market at $1.8 billion in 2024. The report offers a comprehensive forecast through 2029, highlighting transformative opportunities in respiratory, sexually transmitted, and hospital-acquired infection diagnostics at or near the point of care. 'While the molecular point-of-care market saw unprecedented acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kalorama's latest analysis reveals it now stands on a firmer foundation with renewed growth expected,' said Justin Saeks, senior market analyst and report author. 'We anticipate an almost double-digit compound annual growth rate for the 'true' mPOC segment as demand spreads beyond COVID to broader respiratory panels, STIs, HAIs, and tropical diseases.' Key Findings from the Report: Respiratory testing dominates the market, with COVID-19, flu, strep, and RSV continuing to drive system adoption, particularly for combination tests. Growth expected in HAIs and STIs, although these will evolve more slowly due to testing infrastructure and workflow differences across care settings. 'True' mPOC segment revenues, which had recently declined, are projected to achieve a substantial CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Kalorama differentiates between 'true' mPOC platforms and near-patient systems, offering detailed segmentation by company, region, and disease target. Abbott and Cepheid lead their respective segments. True mPOC Systems: Compact, fast, CLIA-waived (or with waiver potential), and operable by non-lab personnel. Key players include Abbott (market leader), Roche, Cepheid, QuidelOrtho, BioFire, and Sekisui. Near-Patient Molecular Systems: Encompasses larger non-POC systems and smaller platforms with POC or near-POC potential. BioFire and Cepheid are major competitors, with Cepheid leading this segment. Why It Matters Now The report's release is timely as healthcare providers seek diagnostic solutions that balance speed, accuracy, and accessibility across both developed and resource-limited settings. mPOC systems bring the power of molecular testing to emergency departments, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, mobile labs, and even homes—enabling timely treatment decisions and improving care outcomes. 'POC molecular diagnostics represent one of the most important intersections between innovation and access in global health,' said Alisa Alvich, Marketing Director at Science and Medicine Group, Kalorama Information's parent company. 'Kalorama's analysis shows where this market is headed and what players must consider to stay competitive.' Audience Impact This research is essential for: Product Managers and R&D leaders developing decentralized molecular platforms. Corporate strategy teams evaluating new market opportunities or CLIA-waived innovations. Investors and M&A professionals scouting high-growth segments or acquisition targets. Clinical lab and procurement teams optimizing test menus for decentralized care delivery. With deep dives into market sizing, disease applications, regional dynamics, and competitive intelligence, Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Outlook and Innovations, 2024–2029 equips life sciences professionals with the insights needed to navigate a rapidly evolving diagnostics frontier. Get the Report Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Outlook and Innovations, 2024–2029 is now available for purchase at: For purchasing inquiries or to schedule a custom consultation, contact:Sheri Davie – Sales Director, Kalorama About Kalorama Information Kalorama Information, part of Science and Medicine Group Inc., is a trusted publisher of market research exclusively focused on the healthcare industry. For over 25 years, Kalorama has delivered accurate, timely, and strategic intelligence to leaders in biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, in vitro diagnostics (IVD), pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and broader healthcare sectors. Originally launched in 1998, Kalorama Information quickly established itself as a premier source of insight into U.S. and global medical markets. Today, Kalorama remains a leading authority on healthcare market dynamics, with a particular emphasis on IVD. Kalorama is best known for its flagship title, The Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostic Tests, an internationally recognized benchmark in the diagnostics field. Other reports published throughout the year cover these and other healthcare topics in greater detail. Our innovative approach to research, combined with deep industry expertise, has made Kalorama a go-to resource for top healthcare companies, strategic planners, investors, and media seeking authoritative market data and trends. With a singular focus on healthcare, Kalorama continues to shape informed decision-making across the industry through comprehensive, evidence-based analysis. Kalorama also works in coordination with other Science and Medicine Group brands, including BioInformatics, which focuses on life science markets and marketing, SDi, the leading source of information on the laboratory life science and analytical instrumentation industry and publisher of IBO, its twice-monthly newsletter, and IMV, which publishes reports and data on the medical imaging and clinical markets. For more information about Kalorama Information and other services offered by Science and Medicine Group, please visit our website.

Rakyat Post

a day ago

• Rakyat Post

Malaysia Records First COVID-19 Death In 2025

Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia has recorded its first COVID-19-related death of 2025, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 19 June. The fatality occurred during Epidemiological Week 24 (8–15 June). The individual, who had serious pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, had not received the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MoH noted that this was the first COVID-19 death since 26 May 2024, and a significant drop compared to the 57 COVID-related deaths reported in 2024. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, But Situation Under Control As of Week 24, Malaysia has reported 21,738 cumulative COVID-19 cases in 2025, with the weekly average hovering around 900 cases. However, MoH did flag a 68% week-on-week spike, with 3,379 cases reported in Week 24 compared to 2,011 the previous week. Despite the increase, the ministry assured that the national COVID-19 situation remains stable and below the national alert threshold. In terms of severe cases, six patients were admitted to the ICU, all with underlying health issues. All have since been discharged from intensive care; four have returned home, while two remain in regular hospital wards for follow-up treatment. New Variant on the Radar: NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1, a Photo: Freepik WHO has classified Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid transmission and potential health risks. Nimbus spreads faster than previous variants. Common symptoms include: razor-blade-like sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. What You Can Do Health experts continue to urge the public to take precautions, especially as new variants emerge. Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, improve indoor ventilation: open windows, use fans or air purifiers, get tested if you're feeling unwell or exposed to COVID-19, and stay home when sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Photo: Malay Mail While Malaysia's current COVID-19 situation remains under control, this latest death and the emergence of new variants serve as reminders that vigilance and public health measures remain crucial. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.