These testing samples are used for genomic surveillance which detects the number of Covid-19 variants circulating in the country and monitors how the virus changes over time into new variants.
According to a tweet from the health ministry, the new Covid-19 strain, Lambda, was detected in more than 30 countries in the past four weeks.
The tweet also linked a report which said the strain is believed to be more transmissible than the Delta variant, previously believed to be the most infectious strain of Covid-19.
Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, said any strain that appeared to be more aggressive or demonstrated higher resilience against vaccinations should be of concern.
He said Putrajaya needs to increase the number of facilities that are able to conduct genomic sequencing.
“By having a better understanding of the diversity of variants in the country, it will help inform policymaking and ensure the necessary preparations are able to be made,” he told FMT.
He urged the government to engage with the relevant stakeholders and decision-makers by publishing its analysis regularly if the strain is found in Malaysia.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said while testing and genomic sequencing need to be increased, the public should protect themselves by getting vaccinated and continue to follow the SOPs.
He said double-masking was also recommended as additional protection.
Subramaniam said the health ministry should also provide proper guidelines for ventilation to prevent airborne transmission, especially for workplaces where people spend hours with their colleagues.
Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said continuous genome sequencing surveillance should be done, especially at the ports of entry.
Lee said variants of Covid-19 would continue to emerge throughout the pandemic, with some strains likely to be more dangerous than others.
“Whatever the variants, the usual public health measures such as physical distancing, wearing a face mask and sanitisation will still work to protect the public from any strain,” he said.
He said efficient contact tracing should also help prepare for any Covid-19 strain and the government should find a competent mechanism immediately.
“Unfortunately, the government has failed to contain the virus even now. When more transmissible variants become more common, the situation will only worsen,” he added.
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