A media statement has been issued by the Ministry of Health Malaysia regarding Current Developments of Omicron’s New Variants (B.1.1529) and, Control and Preventive Measures in Malaysia – media statement as follows:

The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) would like to inform that the first positive case of a worrying variant (a variant of concern - VOC) Omicron has been detected in Malaysia, through the prevention and control of COVID-19 disease infection at all International Gateways (PMAs) and its laboratory surveillance which was implemented continuously.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a variant (a variant of concern - VOC) Omicron on November 24, 2021, IMR began conducting PCR Genotyping Assay testing on all positive samples screened at the KLIA international gateway (PMA) as an additional initiative to the ongoing study of genome sequences full (whole genome sequencing - WGS).

Accordingly, IMR has conducted a PCR Genotyping Assay test on over 74 COVID-19 positive samples detected at KLIA from the period 11 November 2021 to 28 November 2021. PCR Genotyping Assay was carried out to obtain preliminary results of the type of variant.

As a result of the PCR Genotyping Assay test, one of the samples that were detected most likely is Omicron VOC. Genome sequence subsequently implemented, found positive results for the Omicron variant on December 2, 2021.

To read the full translated media statement, please refer here:

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