SARAWAK deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has tested positive for Covid-19.

Dr Sim, in a post on Facebook, said the PCR test he took prior to an official overseas trip returned positive last night.

However, he added, he shows no symptom of the disease that has killed 1,627 people in Sarawak.

“The positive result comes as a shock as (I) have been daily self-testing and following standard operating procedures (SOP), and always double-masking.

“My daily self-testing results have been negative for the past few days. This shows just how infectious the Omicron variant is.”

The surgeon said “as part of living with the virus”, he has been reporting his results to MySejahtera and will now undergo self-quarantine and conduct self-monitoring for seven days in accordance with Health Ministry SOP.

He offered his “sincere apologies” to those who had come in contact with him over the past few days.

Dr Sim is the second minister in the state to test positive for Covid-19.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi is also infected with the virus.

Journalists who covered him at functions in Kuching have been asked to take a test to ensure they are not infected.

Sarawak reported 442 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, with Kuching claiming 192 and Miri, 101.

Of the fresh infections, 241 are Category 1 cases, 199 Category 2, and one each in Categories 4(requires oxygen) and 5 (require ventilator support).

The state reported one death involving a 74 year-old woman from Sibu who had a history of high blood pressure. – March 1, 2022.