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KJ says system works as Malaysia detects first Omicron case

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin assured Malaysians that by strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) already in place, the spread of the new Covid-19 variant could be contained.

This came after health authorities detected the first Omicron case in the country. The patient is a 19-year-old foreign student from South Africa studying at a private university in Ipoh. The patient entered Malaysia via Singapore on Nov 19.

“The system is working. If we follow the SOPs and all guidelines, we can contain (the spread of Omicron),” said Khairy, during a press conference today.

“But we must continue to stick to the public health interventions.”

Khairy added Malaysians must accept the possibility that there could be more Omicron cases in the country.

“We will continue to increase surveillance. Don’t panic … we are getting more information about Omicron,” he added.

As for the first Omicron case, Khairy said close contact tracing on five individuals were carried and that they all had been quarantined.

“We traced their whereabouts from the MySejahtera app. The patient didn’t go anywhere and was quarantined throughout the duration. Our personnel quickly investigated and interviewed to find out more and the information they received was similar to the MySejahtera status.

Khairy also reminded the public on the importance of checking in, as this would help in the contact tracing process.