In a statement today, the health ministry said most of the patients were in the high-risk groups, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities.

However, the increase has not burdened health services, and hospitals are still operating as usual.

“From Jan 1  to April 15, the case fatality rate (CFR) for Covid-19 was reported to be 0.3% (compared to the Delta wave with a high CFR of 2.1%).

“About 80.7% involved patients aged 60 and above while 82.6% were among individuals with comorbidities,” the statement said.

It said the death rate among patients who have never been vaccinated was six times higher than those who have received a booster dose.

Based on this year’s data, as of April 17, only 50% (16,327,196) Malaysians have received the first booster jab and 2.5% (819,150 individuals) the second booster dose.

“The risk of hospitalisation and severity of symptoms can be reduced by taking a booster dose.

“Those in the high-risk category are advised to get a booster dose due to waning immunity within three to six months of the last dose,” the statement added.

The ministry reminded Malaysians to take precautionary measures to curb the increase in Covid-19 infection cases during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“Always practise TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform, seek) for those with symptoms.

“If the Covid-19 test is positive, the person must isolate himself, stay at home and not receive visitors,” it said.

People were also encouraged to wear face masks in congested, narrow and crowded areas to protect high-risk groups, such as the elderly, those with comorbidities or low immunity, and children from being infected with the virus.