SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional's Johor election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan could not attend the announcement of its candidates as he has been in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.

       "Alhamdulillah, today (Friday, Feb 25) is the seventh day I am undergoing isolation.

       "Every one of us should be careful as the virus is everywhere. As for me, I just can't wait to get to Johor," he said in a Facebook post.

       Mohamad, the Umno deputy president, said he got infected despite being extra careful and always following Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures.

       On Thursday (Feb 24), Johor Barisan chief Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad announced the coalition's candidates for the polls.

       Umno will field 37 candidates, MCA 15 and MIC four.

       Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that 80% of the candidates were below 55 years old, while 70% were new faces.

       Nomination day is on Saturday (Feb 26), with early voting on March 8 and polling day set for March 12.