There have been no reports of the COVID-19 Mu variant detected from samples taken across the country so far, says the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI).
In a statement published on Friday (October 1st), it said that 1,312 samples were analysed as of September 30th by a consortium comprising seven laboratories under Mosti, Health Ministry and higher education institutions under the Higher Institution Ministry.
Photo via Times of India
The laboratories are the Malaysia Genome Institute, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (Umbi), Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Centre (Tidrec) of Universiti Malaya, UM Medical Microbiology Department, Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPromise) of Universiti Teknologi MARA, and Institute of Health and Community Medicine of Unimas.
Of the total sample analysed, 94.9% or 1,246 samples were identified as delta variants, 11 were beta variants and 55 were other variants.
“The delta variant is known to be more dangerous with higher infectivity rate and can rapidly cause a new local cluster,” the statement read.
It also said that information about the COVID-19 variants is crucial to enable the government to take appropriate and specific measures to curb and control the spread of dangerous variants and intensify the local vaccine development programmes.
Photo via Forbes
MOSTI had also approved an allocation of RM3,227,200 under its Strategic Research Fund to finance the genome surveillance project on the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
The project is expected to complete 3,000 genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 viruses, especially variants of concern (VOC) like Delta and the variants of interest (VOI) like Lambda and Mu.
COVID-19 variants are expected, and there’s no stopping them from spreading…
However, the best way we can slow the emergence of new variants is to reduce the spread of infection by taking measures to protect yourself, including getting a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
Remember to follow the SOPs that have been implemented by the National Security Council (MKN) and stay safe!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
