The Health Ministry today confirmed Malaysia has recorded two deaths over Covid-19, the first two fatalities in the country.
The first fatality was a 60-year-old pastor in Sarawak.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the man has a history of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
“The man started experiencing fever, cough and breathing difficulties on March 7 before seeking medical treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital on March 14 after being tested positive for Covid-19.
“His condition deteriorated and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He was pronounced dead today,” he said during a press conference at the ministry.
It was reported that the source of the pastor’s infection is still under investigation; and that 193 contacts of the deceased have been traced and are undergoing home quarantine.
A friend of the deceased identified him as David Cheng of the Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) at Taman Hui Sing in Kuching.
As for the second death, Dr Adham said the deceased was a 34-year-old man who had attended a tabligh gathering at Kuala Lumpur’s Jamek Sri Petaling Mosque, which ran from February 27 to March 1.
“The deceased began experiencing fever on March 5 and sought treatment at Hospital Permai, Johor on March 12,” he said, adding that the man’s condition worsened, and he was admitted to the ICU before passing away today.
The minister said 120 new cases had been reported today, raising the total number of cases to date to 673.