CORONAVIRUS | A new cluster of positive Covid-19 cases has been detected at the Bukit Jalil immigration depot in Kuala Lumpur.
Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this was after 34 new cases were detected at the centre in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the total number of positive coronavirus cases there to 35.
One case was detected yesterday.
However, Noor Hisham today informed that all found to be infected had been housed at the detention centre since before the start of the movement control order (MCO) on March 18.
It was previously stated that detainees at the immigration centres prior to the partial lockdown over two months ago were isolated from those rounded up during numerous raids conducted by authorities following the start of the order period.
Noor Hisham stressed that investigations were underway to detect the source of the spread.
“We are still investigating (the cause of infections) [...] perhaps it could have come from the workforce, or kitchen, we are not sure.
“We can only say for sure once we have investigated,” he said during his daily press briefing in Putrajaya.
Of the 35 cases, 17 comprise Myanmar nationals, 15 Indians, one Sri Lankan, one Bangladesh national and one Egyptian.
The ministry began screening detainees at the depot after Myanmar detainees before the MCO tested positive for Covid-19 after they were deported.
Latest figures from Myanmar recorded 14 imported cases involving citizens who were recently deported from Malaysia.
Free immunisation, checks at all depots
Following this new cluster, Noor Hisham said the ministry has disinfected the Bukit Jalil depot and conducted Covid-19 prevention education for all detainees.
Ministry staff will next travel to all other immigration depots across the country to provide free health services.
Among the services provided to detainees will be health checks for pregnant women, babies and children. Immunisation jabs will also be administered.
Detainees will further receive free treatment for mild illnesses and free early emergency treatment.
“Cases that need internal treatment and emergency cases like mothers who are about the give birth will be referred to the nearest ministry hospital.
“No charges or fees will be charged for all services provided,” Noor Hisham said.
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