The first community cluster involving Covid-19 transmission among flood victims at the Temporary Relief Center (PPS) in Bentong district, Pahang was sadly reported today, known as the Karak Setia Cluster. 

Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah explained that the cluster index case involve a Malaysian woman who unfortunately tested positive on December 19th through asymptomatic individual screening. The patient experienced symptoms of fever, cough, flu, and loss of sense of smell since December 18th.

Up until 12 PM yesterday, a total of 104 individuals have been screened in this cluster. Subsequently, 10 individuals were tested Covid-19 positive with eight new cases reported while 94 individuals were Covid-19 negative.

"The cause of the transmission could be the mass gathering among the flood victims at the temporary relief center. All positive cases and close contacts have been isolated from other flood victims, " he explained in a statement.

Commenting further, he said, so far 11 positive Covid-19 cases have been reported in the temporary relief center while a total of 429 cases have been recorded among flood victims.

Sadly, misfortunes seldom come alone. We hope necessary aid and assistance will continue to be given to the affected flood victims in order for them to go through this tragedy smoothly.