THE Health Ministry (MOH) has detected 149 positive Covid-19 cases in Langkawi as of noon today, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said.

The director-general of health said that since Langkawi was reopened two weeks ago a total of 40,458 people were screened at air and sea entry points to the island.

This, Noor Hisham said, involved a total of 34,038 people who were screened at seven airport entry points and 6,420 people via ferry in Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah. 

“The results are that 36,842 people underwent RTK-Ag testing, and of these, a total of 149 positive cases were detected and another 186 individuals were close contacts to the 149 cases. 

“They were isolated and given an observation and surveillance order,” he said in a statement.

Noor Hisham also said that 641 people underwent their own RT-PCR tests before leaving for Langkawi, and all results were negative.

“The remaining 2,975 children under six years’ old did not undergo Covid-19 testing and were allowed to leave with their families.”

As for the Dah Teluk Nibung cluster at a Langkawi hotel, he said all cases are so far under the less severe categories of 1 and 2. All employees are fully vaccinated.

Earlier today, it was reported that 59 employees at the hotel tested positive for Covid-19, prompting the premises to be temporarily shut.

Kedah health director Dr Othman Warijo said based on an investigation, the employees contracted the virus from the community.

Noor Hisham said to date, a total of 249 people have been screened, with 59 returning positive and 187 negative, and three more still awaiting results.

He said that MOH, together with the Kedah health department and authorities will continue to monitor the development of infections and will ensure appropriate prevention and control measures are implemented continuously.

“As informed by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Nancy Shukri, more tourism bubble areas are expected to be opened starting this month.

“MOH will continue to work with Motac in conducting risk assessments to enable more attractions to be opened from time to time.” – October 4, 2021.