KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called on all Malaysians to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures following the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara, Major General Datuk Zahari Mohd Ariffin said the king expressed hopes for the public, especially the vulnerable groups including the elderly and those with comorbidities to continue practising the use of face masks in crowded and enclosed spaces.
He said this group should also maintain physical distancing as well as wash hands frequently, which were practices imparted since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Aside from these measures, individuals with symptoms are urged to avoid the 3Cs or crowded areas, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed spaces as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of virus transmission," he said in a statement, today.
Zahari added that the king also expressed concerns over the possibility of public negligence which may lead to a persistent increase in Covid-19 cases.
He said this could especially happen during the current school holiday season, which witnesses an increase in movement and public gatherings.
"Hence, the public is advised to stay informed about the latest developments on Covid-19 cases in the country and to constantly follow guidelines issued by the Health Ministry."
At the same time, he added that His Majesty supported the Health Ministry's efforts in monitoring Covid-19 cases nationwide as well as providing directives based on the current situation.
Yesterday, Malaysia recorded 20,696 new cases, a 62.2 per cent increase in epidemiological week 50 from Dec 10 to Dec 16, compared with the week before.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said a majority of these cases or 97 per cent are in categories one and two, while 619 cases were in categories three, four, and five.
Of the total, 20,677 involved Malaysians, while 609 others were foreigners. The Health Ministry also recorded 19 import cases, and 151 cases needing treatment in the intensive care unit.