SEVEN people have died from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours – the highest daily figure – bringing Malaysia’s total fatalities to 34, said Dr Noor Hisham Abullah.

The director-general of health said of the latest deaths, the oldest victim was a 91-year-old woman (28th fatality) with a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney problems.

She died at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) at 8.48am yesterday.

The youngest of the seven was a 27-year-old man (31st fatality) with the same health issues. He died at Raja Perempuan Bainun Hospital in Ipoh at 7.44pm.

“Of the 34 Covid-19 deaths recorded, 55.6% of the victims were aged 60 and above, while 67.7% had chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and heart disease,” said Dr Noor Hisham in his daily press conference today.

He said there are 150 new cases of infection, driving up the national toll to 2,470.

Another 68 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospital, bringing the total number of those who have recovered to 388.

The 29th fatality was a 64-year-old woman who was receiving treatment at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Negri Sembilan. The victim, who had diabetes and high blood pressure, was pronounced dead at 10.15pm.

A 76-year-old man, also with a history of chronic illnesses, was the 30th fatality. He died at UMMC at 11.33pm.

A 50-year-old man who attended a tabligh gathering at Sri Petaling Mosque late last month was the 32nd fatality, succumbing to the virus at Enche’ Besar Hjh Kalsom Hospital in Johor at 7.44pm.

He had suffered from high blood pressure.

The 33rd fatality was a 37-year-old man with a travel history to India. He died at Johor’s Permai Hospital at 11.25pm.

The last of the seven new fatalities was a 77-year-old man with high blood pressure. He died at Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 10.40am today.

There are currently 73 Covid-19 patients in the intensive care unit, 52 of whom are on ventilators.

Dr Noor Hisham said those with underlying health issues are considered high-risk, and called on them and their families to strictly follow rules and advice to avoid getting infected.

He reminded them to ensure they have sufficient medicines for their illnesses. – March 29, 2020.