PUTRAJAYA: Starting Tuesday (July 27), the daily updates on non-health related issues pertaining to the pandemic will be handled by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       Hishammuddin took over the senior minister in charge of the security cluster post from Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, following his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister.

       “Beginning tomorrow, the duty to present the daily report on enforcement activities and standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance will be done by the Senior Minister in charge of the security cluster.

       “My deepest appreciation to all who were involved. My thanks goes to members of the administration, ministries and agencies as well as frontliners involved and the people of Malaysia who want to see the country be free of Covid-19.

       “I would also like to state my appreciation to members of the media for their continuous support in reporting developments taking place in the country,” said Ismail Sabri on Monday (July 26).

       Ismail Sabri said he had been issuing daily statements on behalf of the government since March 20 last year.

       “This is what I have been doing for one year, four months and six days,” he said.

       On July 17, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the appointment of Ismal Sabri as his deputy and Hishammuddin as Senior Minister leading the security cluster.

       Ismail Sabri remains in his portfolio as Defence Minister.