MALAYSIA recorded its first fatalities from the Covid-19 pandemic today, including a man who attended the recent Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling tabligh, as the total number of cases neared 700, Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said.

A 60-year-old man died at 11am in Sarawak General Hospital. The patient had a history of diabetes and hypertension.

“The man suffered from chronic illness. He reported showing symptoms of fever, cough and had difficulty breathing on March 7, after which he was admitted to hospital on March 14.

The second victim, a 34-year-old man died in the Sultanah Aminah Hospital intensive care unit in Johor Baru.

It is understood he had been to the tabligh at Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, developed a fever on March 5 and was admitted at to Permai Hospital on March 12.

“His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to ICU at Sultanah Aminah Hospital,” said Adham.

The minister said 120 new cases had been reported today, raising the total number of cases to date to 673.

Of the 120 new cases, 95 are related to the tabligh cluster, the minister said, adding 12 patients were on ventilators in intensive care.

Seven patients were discharged today, bringing the total of recovered patients to 49, he said.

“The drastic move” by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday to issue a movement-control order issued was necessary to contain the second wave of the outbreak, Adham said, adding failure to comply with the order may result in a RM200 fine or a jail sentence.

Adham said the government and the private sector will continue to provide healthcare services and reminded the public to continue using hand sanitiser, observe cough etiquette, and to seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms of cough, fever, cold or sore throat.

Meanwhile, Adham said the ministry will consider a proposal to hold press conferences by remote instead of doing it live with the media at the ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya.

“We will not be holding a press conference every day,” he said. – March 17, 2020.