KUALA LUMPUR: DAP’s Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday (Oct 11) in Parliament.

       In a tweet, Ong said he did a Covid-19 saliva self-test at 3.30pm on the same day, and tested positive.

       He said the result was again confirmed positive in a Covid-19 PCR test which he took an hour later.

       "I don't have any symptoms. I will be quarantining at home for the next 10 days. Will spend the next hour or so alerting my close contacts," he tweeted.

       Ong's tweet came just hours after Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun declared that MPs do not need to wear a face mask while delivering their speeches in Parliament.

       Azhar said the Covid-19 tests conducted since proceedings began last month had not detected any positive cases.

       According to Ong, he tested negative last Wednesday in Parliament and he wasn't sure how he contracted the virus.

       He said he will be spending the next fortnight catching up on his duties as Serdang MP and writing press statements.

       "We have to accept the fact that this virus is endemic. The testing protocols in Parliament show that we can continue to work and operate normally," said Ong.

       Ong also said since a large majority have been vaccinated, therefore positive Covid-19 cases among the vaccinated would show less symptoms.

       "We should continue to push for vaccination among the vaccine hesitant, the undocumented migrant and teenagers."

       At the moment, those present at Parliament, including MPs, officers, staff and media officers, are required to undergo a Covid-19 saliva self-test before entering into the Dewan Rakyat every Monday and Wednesday morning of the week.

       Tuesday (Oct 12) will be the last day in the current 17-day Parliament meeting, which began on Sept 13.

       Parliament will reconvene again on Oct 25 and Budget 2022 will be tabled on Oct 29.