PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia’s increasing Covid-19 positive rate points to undertesting, the Health Ministry has called on the private sector to help boost its daily test numbers.

       Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah admits that the country’s Covid-19 test numbers can be improved.

       With more Covid-19 self-test options available on the market, Dr Noor Hisham said members of the public could help the ministry to increase its testing figures.

       “Without a doubt, our testing numbers can be increased.

       “Now, we have 12 Covid-19 self-test kits approved for usage.

       “Our private laboratories also have more than enough capacity to conduct more tests.

       “We have also instructed factories and employers to increase periodic testing on their employees, which will be monitored by the respective agencies,” said Dr Noor Hisham when interviewed.

       Over the weekend, Malaysia’s Covid-19 daily infections saw a slight downturn with 17,672 new cases on Monday and 19,807 on Sunday. This, however, coincided with less testing reported on those days – 118,158 tests on Monday and 138,904 on Sunday.

       In comparison, the country reported 150,346 tests on Saturday, when there were 22,262 new cases.

       In terms of positive testing rate, Malaysia’s daily figures have been hovering between 13% and 15%.

       This is much higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) benchmark of 5% positive rate and below.

       Dr Noor Hisham said there were many instances of negative test results not being keyed in on time into the Public Health Laboratory Information System (Simka), causing a backlog.

       “Most positive cases are being reported, but not the negative tests.

       “So it is as if we are doing less tests in a day if these negative results are not reported,” he said.

       Yesterday, Malaysia’s Covid-19 figures made a return to the 20,000 mark when 20,837 new cases were reported.

       Cumulatively, the country has had 1,593,602 cases since the pandemic began.

       Selangor remained the state with the highest number of cases with 4,645 new infections, followed by Sabah with a state record of 3,376 cases.

       Another 18,613 Covid-19 patients were discharged from treatment, while 211 died due to the disease.

       The national Covid-19 death toll has gone up to 14,553, while currently, there are 262,713 active Covid-19 cases nationwide.

       Of that total, 1,063 are in intensive care units (ICUs) and 511 are in need of breathing assistance.

       Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Rodzi Md Saad said in a statement yesterday, that an additional nine areas in Pahang and Sabah have been placed under the enhanced movement control order.

       He said localities in Tawau, Kota Belud, Panampang and Beaufort would be under the enhanced MCO from Aug 26 until Sept 8.

       In Pahang, three areas in Cameron Highlands will also be under the enhanced MCO during the same period.