Malaysia has recorded its first COVID?19-related death of 2025, as announced by the Health Ministry on 19 June 2025. The deceased was a high-risk patient with underlying health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, and had not received a second booster dose.
This comes at a time when cases are beginning to rise again, although the overall situation remains under control.
What happened?
According to the Health Ministry, the fatality was recorded during Epidemiological Week 24 (8 to 15 June 2025). This marks the first COVID-19 death in over a year, with the last fatality previously reported on 26 May 2024.
In comparison, 57 COVID-19 deaths were recorded throughout 2024, indicating a significant decrease in mortality so far in 2025. However, the ministry warned that vulnerable individuals are still at risk, especially those who are unvaccinated or have not received updated booster shots.
Surge in infections and ICU admissions
Health authorities also highlighted a 68 percent increase in new COVID?19 cases:
- 3379 new infections were reported in Week 24, up from 2011 cases the previous week.
- This brings the total number of COVID?19 cases in 2025 to 21738.
- Six patients with serious comorbidities were admitted to ICUs during the same week. Four have since been discharged, and the remaining two were transferred to general wards.
Despite this uptick, the Health Ministry stated that the healthcare system remains stable, with sufficient hospital capacity and resources in place.
What should you do?
If you or someone in your family is in a high-risk category, make sure your COVID-19 booster doses are up to date. Digital health tools can help you stay informed, but awareness and action still matter most.
Would a smarter vaccination reminder system improve booster uptake in Malaysia?
Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.
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