PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia recorded two deaths from Covid-19 on Tuesday (March 17), the first fatalities due to the pandemic in the country.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the deaths involved case number 178, which was reported in Johor and case number 358, reported in Sarawak.

According to Dr Adham, case 178 is a Malaysian aged 34, who had attended the tabligh gathering at Masjid Jamek Seri Petaling recently.

The victim showed symptoms on March 5 and received treatment at Hospital Permai, Johor Baru after he was tested positive for Covid-19.

"His condition deteriorated and was placed under the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sultanah Aminah Hospital.

"He was pronounced dead Tuesday morning," said the minister to a press conference at the Health Ministry headquarters here.

Meanwhile, case 358 is a 60-year-old Malaysian who had a history of chronic illness, added Dr Adham.

The victim showed symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing on March 7.

He received treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital on March 14 after he was detected positive for Covid-19.

"The victim's health deteriorated and he was placed at the ICU. He died today (March 17)," said Dr Adham.

The ministry recorded 120 new cases as at 12pm, bringing the cumulative positive cases to 673 cases in total, he said.

The ministry reported that based on an initial investigation, out of the 120 new cases, 95 of them are from the tabligh cluster.

There are currently 12 patients who are in ICU and in need of ventilators.

The Health Ministry also announced seven cases who have fully recovered from Covid-19.

This takes the number of those who have been discharged to 49 cases.