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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has tested negative for COVID-19, his office said on Wednesday (Oct. 7), after a minister attending a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister. Minister on Saturday contracted the virus.
Muhyiddin, along with 13 ministers and vice ministers, began home quarantine on Monday after the minister of religious affairs, Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, was found to have COVID-19.
READ: ‘No full lockdown yet,’ says Prime Minister Muhyiddin as COVID-19 cases continue to rise
“The prime minister is currently in good health. However, he will continue to self-quarantine until the end of the 14-day period set by the health ministry,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Muhyiddin said there would be no double standards when it comes to the quarantine order.
“As Prime Minister, I am not exempt from this SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). This is the second time I have self-quarantined at home since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. I must follow the rules.
“Like the seven ministers and the six vice ministers. All of them are not exempt from following the quarantine order. They must adhere to the rule and if they do not comply with it, actions will be taken against them, ”he said.
READ: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin in 14-day home quarantine after Minister of Religious Affairs tested positive for COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be under control in Malaysia between June and August, until cases began to rise again in September.
On Tuesday, Malaysia posted another daily high in the number of new cases. The 691 reported brought the national total to 13,504.
Despite the increase in cases, Muhyiddin said the government has not considered re-enforcing a national lockdown.
“For now we are not thinking about a total blockade because if it is carried out one more time, it could leave a great impact that we fear that the social and economic system of the country will collapse,” he said.
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