THE Health Ministry is still investigating the source of Covid-19 infections detected at the immigration detention centres in Semenyih and Bukit Jalil, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today. 

“We are investigating the source of the infection. We will look into whether the workers themselves are bringing in the infection because the detainees are not going anywhere, but it is the employees going in and out,” the director-general of health told reporters in Putrajaya today. 

The Semenyih detention centre saw 21 cases today, while 35 infections at the Bukit Jalil centre were reported two days ago. 

Dr Noor Hisham said although undocumented migrants detained recently from areas under the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) had already been screened, there was still a possibility that “one or two may have been left out”.

He said the virus may have also likely only surfaced in some after its 14-day incubation period.

Raids to round up undocumented migrants began on May 1, first at Menara City One and then on other EMCO buildings and areas.

Dr Noor Hisham said those detained will be screened before being sent to detention centres. 

At the Semenyih depot, a total of 1,752 samples were taken, comprising 1,631 detainees and 121 workers.

Of the total, 21 have so far tested positive, while other results are still pending.

He said the facilities will also be disinfected and sanitised. 

Dr Noor Hisham said besides Immigration depots, prisons and old folks’ homes are also high risk-places due to its confined nature. – May 23, 2020.