Upbeat Hari Raya mood in Malaysia belies simmering tensions

Notwithstanding the positive Hari Raya atmosphere as benefits from the recent budget trickle down, this may be the calm before a possible political storm at the ballot box.

Outside Kuala Lumpur, few wear masks, unless they work in a food and beverage establishment or retail shop where these are required. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
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Recent announcements of a new Covid-19 wave spreading across Asia have resulted in some concerns expressed by health officials in the media.

The number of infections in Malaysia has been on the rise. The Ministry of Health’s latest announcement indicated a 26.2 per cent increase in hospital admissions over the past week alone, consisting mainly of older patients or those with comorbidities. A number of clusters in schools have been reported over the past month. 

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