Kampung Hilir Cluster records only 6 new cases despite initial fear of high infection rate

Dr Annuar during the ACD for Kampung Hilir Cluster.

SIBU, March 20: An initial fear that Kampung Hilir Cluster might record high Covid-19 infection rate did not happen as only six new cases were reported on the first of the three-day active case detection (ACD).

From a total of 977 samples taken from residents in Kampung Hilir, Jalan Bandong and Jalan Abang Barieng on March 18, six were found positive.

The six had been admitted to Sibu Hospital immediately after that.


Sibu Disaster Management Committee coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee in his daily Covid-19 update via Facebook Live today, though elated with the result, warned residents not to be overjoyed with it.

“Am happy with the samples as the positivity rate is only 0.6%. This is very low. But it does not mean that we can relax,” he said.

The Nangka assemblyman expressed concern that the six individuals might have been moving around before they were found positive with the Covid-19 virus.

“There has been movement among them and it could spread to others,”  he said.

A total of 1,925 samples had been taken for a period of three days which included 643 on March 19 and 305 on March 20.

Dr Annuar said the results for the March 19 and 20 samples would be known by tonight and tomorrow.

“I urge those who have their swab test to stay at home and not move around while waiting for the result,” he advised.

On whether there was a need for the second swab, he said he would make it known pending his discussion with Sibu Division health officer Dr Teh Jo Hun.

Of the 43 cases reported in Sibu today, 28 were in Sibu Municipal Council area, five in Sibu Rural District Council and 10 in Sibu Jaya flats and Town Villa housing.

“Of the 43, six were from ACD, close contact (13), community (19), health worker (1) and symptoms (4),” he said. — DayakDaily