According to defence minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob the crew had taken an RTK Antigen test before boarding the ship and they had all tested negative.

“However, they tested positive after being on board for a few days. So far none of the affected crew experienced any symptoms, and they have been isolated and are now undergoing quarantine,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Ismail said the crew will undergo an RT-PCR test after 10 days of quarantine, adding that they will only be allowed to leave the ship if they test negative.

He was speaking at a press conference after visiting the drive-through vaccination centre for soldiers in Kem Perdana Sungai Besi today. Health minister Dr Adham Baba and Armed Forces chief Affendi Buang were also present.

Ismail said his team had yet to ascertain how the crew had been infected with the virus.

“As we all know, Covid-19 is now within the community. They may have been infected with Covid-19 before they set sail, maybe while they were at home or out shopping.”

Meanwhile, he said his team was holding discussions with the Covid-19 vaccine supply access guarantee special committee to allow the defence ministry to obtain vaccines directly from Pharmaniaga Bhd.

He said this could help achieve herd immunity among military personnel, civil servants in the defence ministry and their families.

“We have 500,000 members, including their families. Our target is for 200,000 people to receive the vaccine every month and to achieve herd immunity within three months.”

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