Caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin says face mask usage is now "highly recommended", including at GE15 polling stations, even though it remains voluntary

Caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin says face mask usage is now "highly recommended", including at GE15 polling stations, even though it remains voluntary.

He says Malaysia is facing a small Covid-19 wave as new infections rose by 16.5% to 16,917 between Oct 23 to 29.

Khairy says the number of patients in hospitals grew by 14%, for every 100,000 people.

Four XBB Covid-19 variant cases were also reported in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.

The XBB strain first emerged in Singapore a few weeks ago and is said to be resistant to vaccines.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 positive GE15 candidates must quarantine but can campaign online.

They will still be allowed to vote.

"The Election Commission will announce the rules for those who are positive. This is for voting because that is their constitutional right," Khairy said.