On variant monitoring, MOH said ongoing genomic sequencing had identified several new subvariants circulating within the community.
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry (MOH) has confirmed that the country’s Covid-19 situation remains stable as of Epidemiological Week (EW) 19 of 2026, despite recent reports of rising cases in neighbouring countries.
The ministry reassured the public that Malaysia continues to record an overall decline in infections compared with the previous year.
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Surveillance data up to EW 19/2026 showed a 12.6% decrease in total reported cases, with 9,682 cases recorded compared with the same period in 2025.
The ministry said that although there was a slight week-on-week increase of 0.7%, equivalent to 575 additional cases compared with EW 18/2026, MOH stressed that the situation remains under control.
“The majority of reported infections were mild and did not require hospital admission. Importantly, no Covid-19-related deaths have been recorded in 2026,” it said.
On variant monitoring, MOH said ongoing genomic sequencing had identified several new subvariants circulating within the community.
However, current assessments indicate that these do not appear to be associated with severe outbreaks similar to those seen during the early stages of the pandemic.
The ministry added that it would continue strengthening screening measures at international entry points in collaboration with the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), to ensure early detection and a rapid response to any potential imported risks.
“Covid-19 is now being managed as part of common respiratory infections such as influenza and the common cold,” it said.
As part of the “Living with Covid-19” approach, MOH continues to encourage the public to maintain basic preventive practices, including proper hand hygiene, wearing face masks when symptomatic or in crowded areas, and keeping vaccinations up to date.
Vaccination remains strongly recommended for high-risk groups, including senior citizens, individuals with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised patients and pregnant women.
MOH said vaccines are available at selected government clinics nationwide.
Meanwhile, Singapore has reported an increase in Covid-19 infections, with 12,700 cases recorded in the week from May 10 to 16, up from 8,000 cases in the previous week, according to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA).
In a statement, the agency said it is monitoring the increase in cases, as average daily hospital admissions also rose from 56 to 73, with one patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
It said the increase could be attributed to several factors, including waning population immunity.
CDA added that the NB.1.8.1 variant, a descendant of the JN.1 lineage, is currently the dominant strain in Singapore, accounting for more than half of locally sequenced cases.
Despite the increase, public hospitals remain capable of managing the caseload, and current Covid-19 vaccines continue to provide protection against the circulating variant, the agency said.
The CDA also noted that periodic waves of Covid-19 are expected throughout the year, similar to other endemic respiratory diseases.
“There is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared with previously circulating variants,” it added.
