Bandar Kuching MP Has Covid-19, Sarikei MP Critical But Stabilising

Sarawak DAP leaders Dr Kelvin Yii and Andrew Wong are believed to be Malaysia’s first lawmakers to have the coronavirus.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 — Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii tested positive for Covid-19, the DAP leader confirmed, days after a fellow Sarawakian leader contracted the deadly coronavirus.

Dr Yii is believed to have been infected by Sarikei MP Andrew Wong Ling Biu, said to be Malaysia’s first lawmaker to have the coronavirus, who is in critical condition.

In a statement today, Dr Yii said he was admitted late last night at Sarawak General Hospital and has been quarantined for further monitoring.

“I am still asymptomatic and in stable condition. The test here in the ward also showed that I have no fever and all vital signs are normal,” he said on Facebook.

He had contact with Wong on March 2, 2020. However, he did not show any symptoms typical of the virus for the past 14 days.

Covid-19 test results also showed that Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jien tested negative for the new virus, Dr Yii said.

“We… would like to reassure members of the public that came into contact with me to not panic but to continue to take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of the virus,” he said.

“In any case, if anyone, whether they have came into contact with me or not, shows symptoms of the disease, we strongly advise them to seek medical assistance to address their condition.

All necessary precautions are being taken to identify and to contact those in close proximity with both DAP leaders.

Meanwhile, an aide to Wong said her boss is in stable condition. He is being treated at the isolation wing of Sibu Hospital, and was admitted on March 13.

“We will update on his condition from time to time (and) it is hoped that (people) understand and cooperate (with us),” Rinda Juliza Alexander said in a statement.

The political leader was in Kuala Lumpur from February 29 until last week, media reports stated, where it is possible he could have contracted the virus that has affected more than 500 people in Malaysia.

Sarawak Health director Dr Chin Zin Hong has reportedly confirmed that Wong is a patient-under-investigation for the coronavirus.

Alexander also said that national hammer thrower Jackie Wong Siew Cheer, the first national athlete to test positive for Covid-19, is believed to have been infected by Wong, who is also his father.

The national record holder confirmed positive for the viral infection through the test results issued by Sibu Hospital early yesterday, the Malaysian Athletics Federation announced.

He travelled to Sarikei on March 11 to visit his family.

Jackie Wong is currently being isolated at Sibu Hospital for treatment. He is also in stable condition, Alexander said in a separate statement today.

“It is… hoped that everyone who was in direct contact with him to immediately get tested at the nearest hospital,” she said.

You may also like