Agong concerned over rising case numbers, school closures

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong today voiced concern over the rising number of Covid-19 cases which have been hovering over 3,000 for the past two days, urging the public to continue adhering to health SOPs at places like Ramadan bazaars, schools and buka puasa events.

“The Agong urges the people to continue being disciplined in following the instructions and SOPs set by the government to prevent the country from experiencing a tsunami of Covid-19 such as the case in several South Asian and European countries,” Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara, Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, said in a statement.

He said Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah was also concerned over reports that several schools in the country have been forced to close due to Covid-19 outbreaks, and the fact that SOP compliance at celebrations and Ramadan bazaars in several states remains at an unsatisfactory level.

“Also worrying is the report that private hospitals in the Klang Valley are facing a shortage of beds for Covid-19 patients following the increase in infections over the past two weeks,” he said.

He said the health ministry was expecting daily numbers to surpass 3,000 after Hari Raya Aidilfitri if a lack of strict compliance with SOPs causes a spike in infectivity rate.

“His Majesty hopes the people will fulfil their social responsibilities by immediately getting checked and seeking treatment if they have symptoms, and by separating themselves if they have test positive or are categorised as a close contact even if they have no symptoms,” he said.

“The people must be honest with themselves and with society by following quarantine orders and SOPs to prevent hardships for themselves and the country.”