Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Several countries in Southeast Asia have issued health alerts following a significant spike in Covid-19 cases across the region in 2025.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), global Covid-19 cases totaled 91,583 in the 28-day period ending May 11, an increase of 55,984 from the previous month.
The rise is part of a broader global trend that includes Southeast Asia, prompting the WHO to urge countries to bolster surveillance and prevention efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Thailand
Thailand reported the highest number of new cases in the region, with 69,200 infections logged between April and May, according to WHO figures. In response, Thai authorities ramped up digital healthcare access, distributed disinfectants, and offered free telemedicine consultations and medication deliveries through a government-run app.
Malaysia
Malaysia also saw a rise in infections, with 8,609 active cases reported in May, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. Health experts warned of a potential spike during the school holidays from May 29 to June 9.
Mid-May, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad issued a public advisory in response to rising cases in neighboring Singapore and Thailand.
“Malaysia is currently averaging around 600 cases per week, which remains well below the national alert threshold,” he wrote on X on May 17.
Virologist Kumitaa Theva Das warned that mass gatherings could trigger further outbreaks. The dominant variant circulating in Malaysia is JN.1, a sub-lineage of the Omicron strain that has been detected in the country for several years.
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Singapore
Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases in early May, up from just over 3,000 the previous week. While hospitalizations have increased, the Ministry of Health said the situation remains manageable.
Authorities urged seniors, high-risk individuals, and care home residents to receive additional booster doses, according to Business Standard.
Indonesia
Indonesia reported 35 Covid-19 cases during the same period, WHO data shows. On May 23, the Health Ministry issued a circular calling for heightened vigilance amid rising case numbers in neighboring countries.
“The circular aims to raise awareness of potential outbreaks of Covid-19 or other public health emergencies,” wrote Acting Director General of Disease Control Murti Utami in the advisory.
The circular also detailed the dominant variants in circulation: XEC and JN.1 in Thailand; LF.7 and NB.1.8 (both JN.1 descendants) in Singapore; JN.1 in Hong Kong; and XEC in Malaysia.
The recent surge in Covid-19 cases across Southeast Asia underscores the need for continued vigilance, regional coordination, and proactive public health measures to prevent a broader resurgence of the virus.
(Raidi/Agung)
