In a statement from the Health Ministry today (5 October), the Health Director-General has confirmed that a minister who was present during the special COVID-19 meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on 3 October has been tested positive for COVID-19.
The minister in question is Minister of Religious Affairs Senator Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri.
Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 5 Oktober 2020 – Pelaporan Khusus Satu Kes COVID-19 https://t.co/Nd7T2qc1rB
— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) October 5, 2020
During the meeting, the senator did not exhibit any signs of infection and has been admitted to the hospital for further treatment.
The ministry is currently conducting contact tracing and taking swabs of those who came in contact with him.
All close contacts have been given the House Surveillance Order (HSO) letter and the infamous pink wristband as they undergo the 14-day quarantine.
On the same day of the announcement, Malaysia recorded 432 cases, making it the highest daily case in history.
Dr. Zulkifli has also confirmed the news via his social media platforms and urged those who participated in events that he was present from 24 September to 4 October to take the COVID-19 test at the nearest clinic as soon as possible.
Kepada semua rakyat Malaysia, saya kini menjalani rawatan kerana disahkan positif COVID-19 oleh @KKMPutrajaya. Alhamdulillah, sehingga saat ini keadaan kesihatan saya adalah baik.
— ?? Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri (@drzul_albakri) October 5, 2020
Earlier today, rumours have been floating around about a minister testing positive after Defense Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri and Health Director-General Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah cancelled their daily press conferences at the very last minute.
Angry sentiments have been floating around among Malaysians following the recent spike in cases and the allegations surrounding ministers for their double standards treatment upon returning from Sabah.
Well, we wish Dr Zulkifli a speedy recovery and may this be a pivotal example that the war against COVID-19 is far from over.
Remember to always wear a facemask correctly, practice social distancing, and frequently sanitise or wash your hands.