What to know about Malaysia’s COVID-19 situation after first death in 2025
Malaysia has reported its first COVID-19 death of 2025, health officials said, as the country sees a rise in new infections.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the person who died had serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, and had not received a second booster dose of the vaccine.
The death occurred during the second week of June and is the first COVID-related fatality reported since May 2024.
Last year, Malaysia recorded 57 deaths linked to the virus.
Officials say the overall situation remains stable, even as the country saw a 68% increase in weekly cases.
A total of 3,379 infections were recorded in the week ending June 15, up from 2,011 the week before. So far, Malaysia has recorded more than 21,700 COVID-19 cases in 2025.
Six patients, all with underlying conditions were admitted to intensive care during the latest surge.
Four of them have since been discharged and returned home, while two remain in hospital wards for further treatment.
The World Health Organisation is currently tracking a new COVID-19 subvariant known as NB.1.8.1 or “Nimbus,” which has been spreading quickly in several parts of Asia, including India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.
The variant is being monitored for its potential health risks and ability to spread more easily than earlier strains.
Health authorities in Malaysia are urging people to stay cautious, wear masks in crowded places, improve indoor ventilation, and stay home if unwell.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
