The Malaysian Insight

THE Lambda variant has not been detected in Malaysia so far, said director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. 

“But we will step up genomic sequencing and detection,” he said at the weekly press conference with Health Minister Dr Adham Baba and other top ministry officials.

Noor Hisham said border control is also very important in preventing a variant of concern from entering the country via overseas returnees. 

“We have controlled cases from overseas well and we are using the electronic wristbands now. 

“We will assess the risk of overseas returnees and ensure they are quarantined for 14 days. We will also conduct a risk assessment before we let them mix with the community,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Adham added that those returning to Malaysia must apply for quarantine seven days before returning. This will allow authorities to determine whether the individual can be quarantined at home with digital tracker wristbands and or at hotels.

The Lambda variant, first detected in Peru, has been classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation and is rapidly spreading in the South American continent.

However, the details on its traits are still limited as studies are ongoing. – August 13, 2021.