INVESTIGATIONS are ongoing to determine the cause of death of a detainee at the Bukit Jalil Immigration detention centre who was tested positive for Covid-19, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The director-general of health said although the 67-year-old Indian national was tested positive for the coronavirus, he also suffered from other issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney ailment.

“We are not sure whether there are other infections besides Covid-19,” he said. 

To determine the actual cause of death, on whether it was due to Covid-19 or other causes, the ministry has taken samples to conduct the necessary tests.

“If someone is Covid-19 positive and if they die from suicide. So the cause of death (will be categorised) as Covid-19 or suicide. Or if there is a death from an accident but the person is positive. So what will the cause of death be… Is it because of Covid-19 or there are other causes?” he said.

“Investigations are ongoing. We have taken swabs for us to carry out tests so we can give a detailed report.” 

The deceased was found unconscious and was then brought to the Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM Hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead on June 12.

Post-mortem results are still under investigation. 

Noor Hisham added that cell mates of the deceased have also been isolated and the ministry is also determining whether they have been exposed to the virus. 

The case brings the Covid-19 death toll in Malaysia to 121. – June 14, 2020.