ONE hundred and six new Covid-19 infections were reported today, bringing the total number of cases in Malaysia to 1,624.

Of the new infections, 43 were linked to the tabligh cluster, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Twenty-four patients were discharged today, bringing the total number of those who have made a full recovery to 183.

Noor Hisham also confirmed the 15th death from the coronavirus reported earlier today – a 71-year-old man from Malacca who died at the Sultanah Fatimah Hospital in Muar this morning.

The man was said to have suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure.

As of today, 64 patients remain in intensive care units, with 27 requiring respiratory assistance.

Some 62% of Covid-19 cases reported so far have been linked to the tabligh event held at Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling from February 27 to March 1.

It was reported about 14,500 locals had attended the event, and the authorities are continuing to urge those who have not undergone checks to come forward.

The health ministry is currently carrying out “active case detection” on tabligh attendees, Dr Noor Hisham said.

“So, we are going after the tabligh group to ensure they do not spread the infection.

“Our view is that at the end of two weeks, what we are trying to do is that we are trying to prevent the increase of cases in the next couple of weeks.

“What we see today is only what we’ve done two or three weeks ago.”

Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry hopes to prevent a third wave of infections.  

“The first wave is foreign Chinese nationals. The second wave is where Patient 26 infected 114 others. We are now looking at the third generation (of infections) related to the tabligh group.

“A total of 986 cases identified so far were related to Covid-19. They could infect the first generation – family members – second generation are close friends and the third generation are the neighbours.”

He said so far, sporadic cases of Covid-19 infections were detected in Bentong and Kuantan.

Dr Noor Hisham said tabligh attendees should not be “discriminated against”

“Let us not stigmatise the tabligh attendees. What is important that we continue our efforts to detect and treat the Covid-19 virus among them, their families and the people they come into contact with.” – March 24, 2020.