Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Malaysian COVID-19 Cases Soar to Thousands per Day

Ralph Jennings

   TAIPEI - Malaysia has gone back into a tough new lockdown as COVID-19
   caseloads have spiked this month after a relatively calm 2020, and the
   government's image is beginning to take a hit among people who are
   confused about what to do.

   The Southeast Asian country of 31.5 million people, like many of its
   neighbors, gained a measure of control on the coronavirus early last
   year through strict social distancing rules and three months of
   mandatory shutdowns.

   As other countries carry that success into 2021, though, a reopening of
   interstate travel last month following a snap state election in
   September with 67% voter turnout allowed infections to surge in
   Malaysia, domestic media reports say. Travel was restarted to lift the
   economy.

   The coronavirus jumped into prison populations late last year and even
   infected funeral guests, prompting government advice to keep attendance
   at funerals low.

.