The virus could spread far and wide if we're not being careful, and a new cluster is a testament to that.

Active case detection ongoing

On Sunday (20 September), the Health Ministry revealed that a new COVID-19 cluster has been detected in Penang.

Malay Mail reported that a 44-year-old man had tested positive for the virus during a screening at the international arrival gate in Sandakan, Sabah on 15 September.

The cluster, dubbed the Ara cluster, now has two positive cases, Health director general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told the news portal.

According to Dr Noor Hisham, the second case involved the man’s niece, a close contact who tested positive for the virus on 19 September.

She has been sent to to Hospital Pulau Pinang for treatment.

On top of that, Dr Noor Hisham added that the authorities are currently performing active case detection and close contact screenings.

A total of 16 people were screened on Sunday, and 14 came out negative.

The source of the infection is still unknown, Dr Noor Hisham said.