The minister, Dr Adham Baba, said this was confirmed through genome sequencing of samples conducted by seven laboratories, including the Malaysian Genome and Vaccine Institute.

“As of yesterday, a total of 5,651 samples had been analysed and 3,885 samples were identified as the Delta variant while two samples were identified from the subvariant AY4.2, which was detected last month,” he told reporters after attending the MYHackathon 2020 graduation ceremony at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here today.

However, he said the ministry would continue conducting genome sequencing of samples to monitor the emergence of any new variants in the country.

He also said that the institute would conduct genome sequencing on individuals who tested positive for Covid-19 at the country’s border entry points.

Meanwhile, Adham said the ministry through its agency Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd would provide conditional grants amounting to RM4.5 million to 18 MYHackathon 2020 winners for their solutions in improving the government’s digital delivery system.

He said the winners would each receive a RM250,000 grant, which would be disbursed in stages, to develop their digital solution ideas for the pilot project stage.

He said Cradle Fund would monitor and ensure the implementation of the pilot projects by the recipients within a year.

MYHackathon 2020 received a total of 1,853 entries, of which only 123 groups were shortlisted to present their ideas in the finals.

The competition is an initiative under the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) to find digital solutions to problems highlighted by target groups.

A total of 18 solutions were developed by the winners which have been gradually deployed to address the new norm in public services.