KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 ― The major surge of Covid-19 cases in the country this past month is due to the relaxation of the movement control order 3.0 (MCO 3.0), said Deputy Health director-general Datuk Dr Chong Chee Kheong.

At a press conference today, he said that the easing to the economic sector, as well as the emergence of the new Delta Variant of the Covid-19 virus are among the other reasons why cases are on the rise.

“A month ago we saw the easing of MCO 3.0, and at the same time, the economic sector was also eased to help the people continue with their livelihood.

“This effect is now seen two weeks later, and now four weeks later. Also the fact that we are seeing the more dominant Delta strain which is more transmissible and more aggressive,” he said.

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Dr Chong said this is why the Greater Klang Valley Task Force was formed, to ensure that the impact on the healthcare system is sustainable. 

“About two months ago, the proportion of cases for the greater Klang Valley represented 60 to 70 per cent of the total cases in Malaysia — and now, it is about 50 to 60 per cent. 

“So the rise in cases is both nationally, as well as within the greater Klang Valley. So it is not only the concern of those in the greater Klang Valley, but every other state in Malaysia,” he said.

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On concerns over those brought-in-dead (BID) from Covid-19, Dr Chong shared that 80 per cent of them were never tested for Covid-19 and that most of them were foreigners. 

He said that about 80 to 100 BID cases are brought in a week.

“About 80 per cent of the BID cases are a group who either never had access to Covid-19 diagnosis or never came forward to be tested. 

“A big number are also non-Malaysians. The remaining 20 per cent are people who were Covid-19 positive but either arrived at the hospital too late or failed to get there at all,” he said.