THE Health Ministry is working closely with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure the safety and security of refugees amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are included in Putrajaya’s efforts to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the UNHCR will work with the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia and Mercy Malaysia to track down members of the community who recently attended the tabligh event at the Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

The Health Ministry will also deploy staff from district Health Departments to create awareness among refugees and asylum seekers on when to seek medical attention.

“This is considering their interest as a small community that has close interactions, even if they did not attend the tabligh event,” he said.

As for the homeless, Hisham said a place has been identified to house them, adding that they may also be screened.

Hisham also announced that Malaysia recorded 153 new cases today, bringing the total to 1,183 cases.

About 14,500 locals had attended the tabligh, and the authorities are continuing to urge those who have not volunteered to undergo a check-up to come forward without fail. – March 21, 2020.