Malaysia records its biggest every day rise in coronavirus cases after politicians criticized the overreaction

Malaysia has seen a gentle rise in cases after a rise in people traveling to Sabah on the island of Borneo ahead of state polls last Saturday.

Malaysia cannot afford a brand new lockdown, experts say, as cases rise in Sabah

Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah told a briefing on Friday that Malaysia stays within the recovery phase of its movement restriction policy and the federal government continues to observe the virus situation to make your mind up on any needed restrictions.

It was only on June 10 that the country allowed the resumption of virtually all activities, after allowing most sectors of the economy to reopen on May 4. The government has prolonged the present lockdown phase until the tip of the yr, with the country continuing to keep up international contacts, closing borders and restricting foreign travel.

Friday’s gain surpassed the previous high of 277 on June 4. While the spike in June was mainly in detention centers, the present resurgence is linked to varied gatherings, making it difficult to trace and contain, Noor Hisham said.

“We advise people to avoid large gatherings and, if they cannot be avoided, to ensure they follow health guidelines,” he said.

Noor Hisham said the rapid population growth in Sabah might have been mitigated by following guidelines, which include minimizing physical contact, wearing face masks and washing hands frequently. “We don’t blame [anyone]but we remind you… we hope that we will all learn this lesson and not repeat this mistake again.”

Malaysians took to social media on Friday to slam politicians for violating social distancing protocols and refusing to self-isolate.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s government has been criticized for failing to introduce controls comparable to mandatory checks on travelers from Sabah ahead of the elections, and for allowing residents to shorten their 14-day home quarantine order in the event that they test negative for the virus.

Muhyiddin’s office didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

Malaysia’s Muhyiddin is taking no prisoners in Sabah polls, dealing a blow to Anwar

The hashtags #PoliticiansCauseVirus and #MinisterCluster have been trending on Twitter following reports that ministers and political figures attended public events on their return from campaigning within the state.

At least two politicians tested positive in the course of the campaign, and cases linked to travel to Sabah have been reported in all 13 Malaysian states.

“Why didn’t you quarantine for 14 days?” Twitter user @safiqshahid asked Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa, who posted photos of himself at a business congress after getting back from Sabah this week.

In a press release, Annuar’s press secretary denied that the minister had broken quarantine rules, saying he had already finished self-isolation and tested negative days before the elections.

Some Twitter users also expressed concerns in regards to the threats posed by national elections, which could possibly be called later this yr within the face of uncertainty in regards to the stability of the ruling alliance, which only has a two-seat majority in parliament.

Muhyiddin faces a leadership challenge from opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who last week said he had the support of a majority of lawmakers to form a government.

Malaysia’s Anwar says he has “compelling support” to oust Muhyiddin

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah was released from hospital on Friday after being treated for food poisoning and sports injuries, state news agency Bernama reported. The report states that he has recovered and can proceed to rest on the palace.

The king’s return to the palace may lead to some movement in the facility struggle over the prime minister, after Anwar sought a gathering with him to exchange Muhyiddin. Anwar must persuade the king that he has enough votes to form a government.

The king agreed to satisfy with Anwar last week, however the meeting was canceled as a consequence of the king’s illness.