FORMER Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged Malaysians to brace themselves as COVID-19 cases spike in Malaysia, adding the results of mass vaccination programme may only bear fruit end of next year.

“The Government keeps telling us that the pandemic is under control but the people see a different reality. Number of infection cases keep rising, together with new clusters.

“More than 20,000 people are currently receiving treatment. Plus, we have 215 active clusters wreaking havoc and to control them is no walk in the park.

“I just hope the number of cases doesn’t rise further in the coming months as per our projection, 70% of the population will only get vaccinated by end of next year,” he said.

Yesterday, Malaysia recorded the highest number of new infection cases, at 2,335. The total number of those infected now stands at 103,900.

Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also announced the discovery of 11 new clusters, with Kuala Lumpur now surpassing Selangor’s numbers.

Najib then urged the Government to keep the healthcare facilities on high alert, and at the same time, ensure the healthcare system and frontliners do not get “paralysed” due to the overwhelming number of cases.

“While I’m confident the Government would have made all the plans needed to manage the problem, they should understand that the people are worried about the rising COVID-19 cases.

“The Government is duty bound to ensure our people feel safe and secure at all times,” added the Pekan MP. – Dec 27, 2020.