The Malaysian Institute for Medical Research detected the D614G mutation after isolating and testing four cases from two existing clusters, according to The Star’s report on Sunday (16 Aug).
Malaysian health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a Facebook post on Saturday (15 Aug) that the mutation is “10 times easier” to infect other individuals.
It will also be easier to spread, especially by a “super spreader”.
Dr Hisham added that the Malaysian community has to be more careful now with the detection of D614G.
He assured that the two clusters are “under control” as a result of public health control actions.
More infectious, but not deadlier
Dr Hisham said that the D614G mutation was first discovered by scientists in July, adding that it is likely to render any study on a vaccine thus far to be ineffective against the mutation.
Although D614G is more infectious, it is not any deadlier, according to Medium Daily Digest.
Dr Hisham went on to assure members of the public that the situation is “under control” as the Malaysian health ministry and other agencies are continuing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
He also advised the public to continue adhering to standard of procedures, such as physical distancing, practising self-hygiene, and wearing face masks.
“Public cooperation is needed so that we can together break the chain of the COVID-19 infection from all types of mutation.”