THE nationwide occupancy rate of intensive care unit (ICU) beds has reached 80%, said director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, despite increasing the number of beds for Covid-19 patients.

“Although (we) are always increasing the number of ICU beds for Covid-19 patients, I am disheartened to report that the occupancy of ICU beds for Covid-19 patients across the country has reached 80% across the country,” he said in a Facebook post.

“Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Sarawak, Kedah and Perak have exceeded the occupancy rate of 80% and there are hospitals where the ICU beds have been maxed out.”

Noor Hisham said currently there are 1,388 ICU beds to accommodate Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 patients at 78 government and teaching hospitals.

Of this, 850 beds were earmarked specifically for Covid-19 patients.

He said the country is facing a rise in cases with severe symptoms belonging to Category 4 and 5, which require oxygen and respiratory support, especially among high-risk groups such as the elderly and the co-morbid.

Hospitals are turning normal wards into temporary Covid-19 ICUs with beds and the necessary equipment.

The ministry has also been using the allocation given to it since last year to procure critical equipment such as beds, patient monitor, video laryngoscope, powered air-purifying respirators and others.

“I urge Malaysians to continue to comply with the SOP (standard operating procedure). Only go out when there is a need and avoid crowded places. Let’s break the chain of Covid-19 infection together,” Noor Hisham said.

Yesterday, the country saw a record high of 503 patients in ICUs nationwide, with 272 people intubated.

Active cases also rose to 42,135 from 41,471.

The country also saw its deadliest day yet with 44 fatalities. – May 16, 2021.