THE decision on whether Malaysia will enter the endemic phase of Covid-19 will be made after the Health Ministry (MOH) presents a report on recommendations and a new standard operating procedure (SOP) to the cabinet next week, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

Malaysia is currently transitioning to endemicity, a phase that began on April 1, 2022. 

Speaking to reporters after attending the MOH’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today, Dr Zaliha said the cabinet’s review will take into account World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the global Covid-19 situation, and the number of infections in the country. 

“We will announce this (transition) status after I present (the report) to the cabinet… the Public Health Department has already recommended that we implement a new SOP,” she said. 

Last May, the MOH announced the status of local areas of infection would remain unchanged for the time being, even though the WHO has declared Covid-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern. 

Prior to this, the MOH had extended the declaration of local areas of infection from January 1 to June 30. 

As of June 17, Malaysia had recorded 5,112,019 Covid-19 cases (including imported infections) and 37,118 fatalities.

Yesterday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared an end to his nation’s emergency level of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Zaliha said the health SOP for the state elections will depend on the endemicity announcement.

The six states that will be holding polls are Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. – Bernama, June 23, 2023.