KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has congratulated and expressed his appreciation to the Malaysian Family after the country ranked 13th in the latest Nikkei Covid-19 Recovery Index.

       In a post on his Facebook page, the Prime Minister said the achievement was the result of the hard work and spirit of unification of every member of the Malaysian Family in facing the Covid-19 pandemic together.

       "Alhamdulillah, Malaysia scored 66.5 points in the Nikkei Covid-19 Recovery Index which is the highest for Asean countries and ranked 13th out of 122 countries or regions.

       "I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Malaysian Family, including our heroes, the #frontliners, who work hard to protect the people and the country from the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

       Ismail Sabri also called on the Malaysian Family to always maintain the family spirit and face the challenges in the recovery period together.

       The Prime Minister also reminded the public to continue to take care of their safety, and that of their families as well as the communities despite the achievement.

       Based on the Nikkei Covid-19 Recovery Index as of Dec 31, 2021, Malaysia ranked number 13 with a total score of 66.5 while Bahrain sits at the top with a total score of 82.0, with Chile second at 76.5, and Taiwan ranking third at 75.5.

       According to its website, the Nikkei Covid-19 Recovery Index ranks about 120 countries or regions on infection management, vaccine roll-outs and social mobility.

       A higher ranking indicates a country or region is closer to recovery with its low numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases, better vaccination rates and less stringent social distancing measures. - Bernama