KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — Malaysia has recorded two Covid-19 deaths as of the 33rd Epidemiological Week (ME-33) this year, compared with 58 deaths reported during the same period last year, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
As of August 16, 41,814 Covid-19 cases had been reported nationwide, down from 83,018 cases in the same period last year, with the majority of patients exhibiting mild symptoms.
“In line with the global trend, Covid-19 cases in Malaysia have risen since April 6, 2025, primarily due to new subvariant changes. Most infections present with mild symptoms, and current vaccines continue to provide protection against these subvariants.
“The risk posed by the latest Covid-19 variant to high-risk groups remains low and under control. Malaysia is currently in the living with Covid-19 phase, managing the disease similarly to other respiratory infections such as influenza and other viral illnesses,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Lukanisman was responding to Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's query on the threat level of the latest variant to vulnerable groups following the country’s first Covid-19 death this year.
He added that while fluctuations in case numbers are normal, complications can still arise, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with comorbidities.
The Health Ministry (MOH) continuously monitors the Covid-19 situation both domestically and internationally, including conducting genomic sequencing to detect new variants or subvariants that could impact public health.
Voluntary and free Covid-19 vaccinations continue at selected health facilities, with the MOE providing up-to-date information and recommendations based on current risk assessments.
“This includes preventive measures the community can practice, such as vaccination, especially for high-risk groups, maintaining personal hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, and wearing a face mask when symptomatic or in crowded places,” Lukanisman said.
Responding to Kuala Langat MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi's supplementary question on the vaccination status of the two deaths recorded this year, the deputy minister said both individuals had not received the latest Covid-19 vaccine.
In his reply to Ismail's supplementary question on the long-term effects of Covid-19 vaccination, Lukanisman said the MOH has conducted reviews and taken measures to monitor any alleged effects.
The government is also examining studies on long-term vaccine effects, including data on post-Covid-19 infection cases.
“Indeed, we raised the issue of the Covid-19 vaccine in the Health White Paper presented two years ago, and studies on its long-term effects are still ongoing,” he said.
Lukanisman added that the vaccine administered during the pandemic helped reduce deaths and provided protection to the population, and that the MOH has outlined a compensation mechanism for verified claims of vaccine-related harm in the Health White Paper.
