On Sep 7, Malaysia saw a spike of 62 new Covid-19 cases, recorded highest since June with the majority linked to the Benteng Lahad Datu (LD) cluster in Sabah.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said 97% of the confirmed cases under the Benteng LD cluster were behind bars, adding that the cramped and congested space in the lock-ups contributed to the spread of Covid-19 in this cluster.
According to the post in Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (MOH) Facebook page, 50 positive cases were detected so far for this cluster, where all of them are detainers in Lahad Datu Police station and a prison in Tawau.
The cluster was identified on Sep 1, from 2 illegal immigrants who were detained in Lahad Datu police station. They were then admitted to Hospital Lahad Datu and MOH started active case detection within close contacts.
To date, 1,404 people went through the test and 66 positive cases detected with an infection rate of 4.7% . Out of the 66 cases, 64 of them are detainers, 1 of them is the police officer in lock-ups while another 1 is the family member of the police officer.
Dr. Noor Hisham also announced a new cluster dubbed “Sungai” in Kedah, where two female healthcare workers were confirmed cases so far.
Info via MOH