A viral message on WhatsApp suggesting a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and the presence of a new virus strain has been dismissed by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The message, which purportedly links the rise in cases to a new strain causing severe lung infections, has been declared entirely false by health authorities.
Contrary to the circulated information, current statistics indicate that the admission rate of COVID-19 patients to hospitals is around 2-3%, and there is no indication of hospitals reaching full capacity due to COVID-19 admissions.
The false claim suggested a concerning rate of “1 in every 6 to 7 individuals” requiring respiratory assistance.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that such misleading information can contribute to unnecessary panic and urges the public not to easily trust chain messages without verified sources on social media platforms.
Officials recommend referring to the KKMNOW portal at http://data.moh.gov.my for the latest and accurate information on the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of relying on credible sources to avoid the spread of misinformation, especially during the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels to ensure accurate awareness of the current situation and to contribute to collective efforts in curbing the spread of the virus.
