Malaysia's COVID-19 cases now at 1,624, with 106 new confirmed infections

KUALA LUMPUR (March 24): The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Malaysia rose 106 as of noon today to a total 1,624, according to the Ministry of Health.

Of the new infections, 43 have been traced to the Masjid Jamek Seri Petaling tabligh or religious gathering, while the source of infection for the remainder 63 — suspected to be linked to other clusters — are still being investigated, according to the ministry's director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He also affirmed an earlier social media posting he made today about another COVID-19 death recorded today, bringing the total fatalities from the virus in the country to 15.

The victim is a 70-year-old man from Melaka who had close contact with a tabligh participant. He also had a history of chronic illness, with diabetes and high blood pressure. Admitted to Sultanah Fatimah Hospital in Muar on March 18, he passed away at 5.35am today. 

To date, there are 64 patients in intensive care unit, with 27 needing respiratory aid.

There are also 24 more patients who have recovered and allowed to be discharged today. This brings the recovery tally to 183.

Selangor remains the state with the highest infection rate at 381 cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur (257), Sabah (170) and Johor (162).

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