A new variant of COVID-19 known as XFG has been detected in Malaysia, accounting for about 8.2% of all COVID-19 cases reported recently, sparking concerns that it may mark the beginning of a new wave of infections.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the XFG variant was detected in weekly data for 43,087 cases, and its transmission appears to be showing an increasing pattern, especially in densely populated areas and localities with more limited access to health services.
Although there is no definitive information yet on whether this variant is more contagious or causes more severe disease, its presence alone has sparked concern among health experts because the risk of mutation could affect the effectiveness of existing vaccines and control measures.
This is an early warning after the Indonesian Ministry of Health (KKI) previously confirmed that the variant has become dominant in their country following an increase in cases reported since last July.
The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the XFG variant and considering whether to re-implement additional restrictions or guidelines such as mandatory face mask wearing in crowded places, wider enforcement of testing, and booster injections to strengthen the population's immunity.
