Malaysia’s parliament sitting to discuss the federal budget today was cut short after a political aide reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 this morning.
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi wrote online yesterday that her political aide, who is also her sister, tested positive for COVID-19 and is now being treated at the Sungai Buloh Hospital. Ras, along with ten other family members, were also tested and are waiting for their results.
The parliament sitting, which normally runs from 10am to 5.30pm, has now been shortened by five hours. Parliamentary sittings for the rest of the week are expected to end at 1pm.
Member of parliament for Kota Bharu Takiyuddin Hassan told reporters that the decision was made under instructions from the Ministry of Health.
“We have been advised by the Health Ministry to shorten our parliamentary sessions as the risk of the virus spreading is high, even though we’re protected by transparent barriers,” he said. Each seat in the House of Parliament has transparent barriers beside it.
“Some of us worked very closely with the member of parliament whose aide had tested positive for COVID-19,” he added, without disclosing names.
Malaysia has recorded 32,505 COVID-19 cases with 957 new infections yesterday. The death toll stands at 249.
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