The pandemic situation in Malaysia continues to worsen, with the country's daily cases climbing past 20,000 for the first time in history.

As of 5th August (today), daily cases stood at 20,596 people, with a cumulative total of over 1.2 million infected so far.

Key Highlights

• A rising number of cases were concentrated in cities: Selangor, Johor, and east-Malaysia state, Sabah.
• Selangor recorded the highest number of daily cases today, standing at 8,549 (8,377 yesterday).
  
• Despite the rising cases, the country began loosening lock-down restrictions in several states with a lower number of infections such as Perlis, Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
  

Why It Matters

• Most of Malaysia is now entering its 3rd month of lock-downs, further exacerbating businesses across the country.
• Some businesses in the retail sector such as bars and clubs have been shut for over a year, many more possibly folding by the end of the year.
• With the situation prolonging, the unemployment rate could surpass an additional 1 million people by the year end.