The proportion of local residents diagnosed with COVID-19 in Klang continues to rise. As of 27 February 2021, 38% of the total 28,231 recorded cases in Klang are local Malaysians, which amounts to more than 10,000 people.

In mid-December last year, the number of local infections was 20-30%. After more than two months, nearly 40% of confirmed cases were locals. 

According to Klang councellor Lee Fu Haw, the reduction of mass screening by the Ministry of Health is one of the main reasons for the recent decrease in cases.

Also a member of the Klang City Council Health Team, he disclosed to the media that according to data from the Klang County Health Bureau, among the confirmed cases recorded in Klang, 62% are foreigners. The largest proportion being workers from Bangladesh (27%) and workers from Nepal (20%). 

He said that the rest are Burmese (9%), Indonesians (3%), Indians (2%) and Pakistanis (1%) foreign workers.

"Although the current confirmed cases in Klang are still predominantly foreign workers, according to recent trends, the proportion of local infections has accelerated significantly."

He said that 38% of locals in Klang County were diagnosed. Further analysis by ethnic group are as follows - Malays (67%), Indians (19%), Chinese (12%) and Sabah, Sarawakians (1%).

He pointed out that the latest daily confirmed cases in Klang are hovering in double or triple digits, but the number of confirmed cases per week is still around 1,800, which is still very high.

"Klang is still in a high-risk area. The recent decrease in cases is mainly because the Ministry of Health has reduced the number of close contact groups, and the intensive infection in the factory has also been relatively reduced."

YB Lee Fu Haw also pointed out despite the Klang City Council's efforts to hold free or discounted COVID-19 screenings, the amount of residents who showed up were lackluster. Which may be due to the fact that these screenings were held during the past two weeks, which happened to be during Chinese New Year.

"Some people also think that there is no need for screening if they are asymptomatic, some even think that even if they are diagnosed with COVID-19, they will recover naturally, and there is no need to do so."

As the government gradually loosens the restrictions to help with the economy, let's continue to stay safe and stay vigilant! 

Reference Links -
[1] E-Nanyang