Health Ministry reports decline in weekly cases but warns public to stay vigilant
Malaysia’s Health Ministry has detected a new Covid-19 variant, XFG, accounting for over 8% of recent cases, alongside one new fatality involving a 91-year-old patient.
New Variant Detected
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that the XFG variant was found in 8.2% of total cases recorded in Epidemiological Week 35 (EW35). Genomic surveillance showed NB 1.8.1 as the dominant variant at 39.4%, followed by JN.1 at 18.1% and XEC at 13.3%. Other variants made up 21% of reported cases.
Case Numbers Show Decline
In EW35, Malaysia recorded 594 cases, down 12.8% compared to 681 cases in EW34. Cumulatively, 43,087 cases have been reported in 2025, reflecting a 49.5% decrease from 85,297 cases in the same period last year.
One New Fatality
A bedridden 91-year-old senior citizen became the latest Covid-19 victim in EW35, bringing the total number of deaths in 2025 to three. The earlier deaths were reported in EW24 and EW30.
Public Health Reminder
Dzulkefly advised Malaysians to maintain basic preventive measures, including:
- Frequent handwashing
- Wearing masks if symptomatic or in crowded areas
- Getting vaccinated if at risk
Broader Outlook
While overall cases have fallen sharply compared to 2024, the emergence of the XFG variant highlights the virus’s ongoing evolution. Authorities continue to stress vigilance to prevent resurgence, especially among vulnerable populations.
The detection of the XFG variant in Malaysia signals that Covid-19 remains a shifting challenge despite declining case numbers. With three deaths reported this year, health officials are urging continued preventive practices to safeguard public health as new variants emerge.
Sources: The Edge Malaysia (2025) , Free Malaysia Today (2025)
Keywords: Malaysia, Covid-19 Variant, XFG, Weekly Cases, Health Ministry, Dzulkefly Ahmad
