21/09/2025

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday SEPT 21, 2025

New Covid-19 variant detected locally

Preservation of Mersing islands shared duty: King

JOHOR BAHRU: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has expressed concern over the preservation of environmental sustainability and the maintenance of cleanliness of islands in the waters off Mersing. In a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page on Friday, His Majesty said Mersing, known as a sustainable tourism district, boasts natural beauty and marine biodiversity that must be preserved for the present and future generations. “At the same time, every visitor must also practise environmental awareness by not littering to ensure that the natural beauty and marine ecosystem remain preserved. “The beauty of the islands, coral reefs and marine biodiversity in Mersing waters is a treasure that should be safeguarded together. These efforts are important not only for the benefit of the current generation but also as a legacy for generations to come,” said the King. Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Johor State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, Johor Land and Mines director Mohammed Shakib Ali, Mersing District Officer Jamil Hasni Abdullah and Mersing district council president Norman Noh at Istana Pasir Pelangi. Yesterday, Jamil Hasni, through a notice posted on the Mersing District Office Facebook page, said all scuba diving, snorkelling and visits to six islands around Mersing waters has been suspended with immediate effect to allow for marine biodiversity and environmental conservation work. He said the closure involved Pulau Harimau, Pulau Gual, Pulau Mensirip, Pulau Mertang Timur, Pulau Mertang Barat and Pulau Mertang Tengah. – Bernama M’sia voices concern over veto at UNSC KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed deep concern over the veto exercised at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, which blocked a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire as well as the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday the UN Commission of Inquiry has clearly established that acts of genocide are being committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. “The exercise of the veto would only embolden the Israeli Zionist regime to continue its crimes of genocide and destruction of Gaza. “This is evident in the latest ground assault, which has led to more killings, further depriving famine-stricken Palestinians and forcibly displacing over 450,000 people. “This criminal campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing, in blatant disregard for international law, international humanitarian law and various UN resolutions, constitutes yet another chapter in Israel’s systematic policy of collective punishment against an already besieged population.” The ministry said Malaysia would continue to work with the international community in pursuit of peace and justice for the Palestinian people, including through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders. –Bernama

WHO monitoring XFG as strain capable of spreading infections quickly across continents █ BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

downward trend. “Practise regular hand-washing, wear face masks if symptomatic or in crowded areas and get vaccinated if you are at risk.” Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health expert Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said XFG, also referred to as “Stratus”, was first detected in Asia in January and subsequently identified in the United States (US) in March through wastewater surveillance. It is currently the dominant variant in the US, coinciding with the onset of cooler weather there. “While XFG spreads quickly, it is not especially dangerous and has not caused sudden spikes in hospital admissions.” Sharifa said infections caused by XFG generally present mild, cold-like symptoms such as cough and runny nose. “The risk of severe illness is higher among the unvaccinated, children and the elderly. But current vaccines remain sufficient to prevent severe outcomes.” “For high-risk individuals, antivirals such as Paxlovid may be prescribed, provided the treatment begins in the early stage of infection.”

49.5% drop. “Weekly infections also showed a decline, with 594 cases reported against 681 the previous week, a 12.8% decrease.” He said one new fatality was recorded involving a 91-year-old bedridden senior citizen, bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths reported in 2025 to three. Meanwhile, during a media conference following the launch of Malaysia Wellness Month 2025 yesterday, Dzulkefly described Covid-19 as having entered an endemic phase in the country. He said the XFG variant accounts for about 8% to 9% of sequenced cases, while JN.1 accounts for 17.4% and XEC 12.7% of detected circulating Omicron sub-variants. He added that although XFG appears to spread faster, it is not more virulent than previous strains and has not led to more severe symptoms. Dzulkefly reminded Malaysians not to become complacent despite the overall

PETALING has confirmed detecting the new Covid-19 XFG variant, raising fresh concerns even as overall infection numbers continue to decline compared with last year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has placed XFG under its “variant under monitoring” list due to its ability to spread quickly across continents. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said XFG accounted for 8.2% of infections reported in Epidemiological Week (EW) 35/2025. He said of the 49,087 cases recorded this year, the NB 1.8.1 variant remains dominant (39.4%), followed by JN.1 (18.1%) and XEC (13.3%) while other strains make up the rest. Dzulkefly said cumulative cases up to EW35/2025 stood at 43,087 compared with 85,297 during the same period last year, a JAYA: Malaysia

Armed Forces ready to help during monsoon season KUANTAN: The Armed Forces is prepared to mobilise its personnel and assets to flood-affected areas during the upcoming monsoon season, said Defence Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. 92nd Armed Forces Anniversary at the Kuantan Air Base yesterday. Also present were Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force chief Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. friendly nations as part of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the peace, stability and sovereignty of the country. Dzulkefly has reminded Malaysians not to become complacent and to practise regular hand-washing, wear face masks in crowded areas and get vaccinated if at risk. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

“The Armed Forces also contributes to global peace through its involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations, Asean initiatives and natural disaster relief efforts.” He also said the Veteran Affairs Department, together with the Armed Forces, would continue to explore opportunities to improve the standard of living of veterans and resolve issues related to outstanding allowance claims. On the role of the Armed Forces in assisting flood and landslide victims in Sabah, he said nearly 600 personnel and officers were deployed. – Bernama

He said a range of preparations has been undertaken, including monitoring flood-prone locations and conducting simulations. “Local leaders and brigade commanders have assessed the areas and are aware of the measures to be implemented. We are always prepared to mobilise the necessary assets if required. “Our main task is to assist the people and local authorities in managing any flood crisis.” He was speaking at a media conference held in conjunction with the

Mohd Nizam said the celebration was a lively event, with a dynamic demonstration showcasing the synergy of assets and capabilities in defending the sovereignty of the country. Also being held in conjunction with the event is the Civil-Military Cooperation Carnival, a two-day event running until today. He said in his speech at the event that the Armed Forces would continue to strengthen defence diplomacy with