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Covid-19 in Malaysia 2025: Now What?
Malaysia, today, finds itself in a new phase in its battle against Covid-19. On May 1, this Southeast Asian nation lifted its emergency pandemic measures, signaling a shift towards managing the disease as a endemic issue rather than a national emergency.
Even though the emergency measures have been lifted, it’s essential to know what to do if you catch Covid-19 now. These are the facts you should know.
The Current Scenario
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported a slight increase in active Covid-19 cases, with numbers rising from 8,488 on April 30 to 8,609 by May 3. Compared to the same period last year (May 12 to 18, 2024), this year saw 1,230 Covid-19 infections - meaning the recent up-tick is evident. Experts attribute this increase to waning immunity, more travel, and reduced testing. Yet, they assure us the situation remains under control and is not cause for alarm.
Neighboring countries, including Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan, have experienced larger surges. However, Malaysia, with its high vaccination rate, shouldn't worry too much about these trends. As Professor Dr Sharifa Wan Ezat Puteh, a health economics and public health specialist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), explains, “most are vaccinated and boosted.”
When You Test Positive for Covid-19
From July 15, 2024, individuals who test positive for Covid-19 no longer need to undergo a Home Surveillance Order (HSO), and reporting through the MySejahtera app is no longer mandatory. According to Dr Sharifa, most new infections present as URTI (upper respiratory tract infection) with mild symptoms like runny nose, cough, fever, and other mild respiratory symptoms. However, individuals with weakened immune systems may need to see a doctor, as they could require antivirals and supportive care.
Should you test positive, tests can still be taken at clinics or self-test, following the standard operating procedures. While not mandatory, health officials encourage wearing a face mask, especially if experiencing symptoms like cough or cold, or when visiting crowded healthcare facilities and poorly ventilated spaces.
Current Treatments
According to the MOH's clinical practice guidelines, Covid-19 patients classified under categories 2 and 3 are eligible for treatment with the antiviral medication Paxlovid[1].
Tests can still be taken at clinics or self-test, following the same standard operating procedures. Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, former president of the Malaysian Association of Public Health Physicians stated, “Covid-19 antigen rapid test kits are still available at pharmacies[3]”.
While not mandatory, wearing a face mask, especially when experiencing symptoms like a cough or cold, or when visiting crowded healthcare facilities and poorly ventilated spaces is recommended.
Should Malaysians Worry About the Surge of Cases in the Region?
Despite low concern over Covid-19, several Asian countries saw a resurgence of cases in the first quarter of the year. However, Dr Sharifa says unless there is a new Covid-19 variant that is also virulent and pathogenic, Malaysians do not need to worry about this[4].
[1]: Malaysia's MOH - COVID-19 Clinical Practice Guidelines
[2]: Malaysian Ministry of Health - Daily Covid-19 statistics
[3]: Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - COVID-19 Test Kits
[4]: The Star, 30 April 2025 - Malaysia sees slight increase in Covid-19 cases amid Low Corona Virus Fear
[5]: The Star, 2 May 2025 - Covid-19: Low worry level yet rise in Malaysia cases
Below are four sentences that contain the required words in the given context of the text:
- The Malaysian government is currently managing Covid-19 as an endemic issue, after lifting emergency pandemic measures on May 1.
- In Kuala Lumpur, health officials encourage individuals to wear a face mask, especially when experiencing symptoms or visiting crowded healthcare facilities.
- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported a slight increase in active Covid-19 cases, which is not cause for alarm, according to experts.
- Despite the surge of Covid-19 cases in neighboring countries and the Asian region, the Malaysian government assures citizens that they should not worry, as long as there isn’t a new virulent and pathogenic Covid-19 variant.
