The Health Ministry today revealed a 26-year-old man in Penang to be the third probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) case in the country, with five new suspected Sars cases reported yesterday.

According to the ministry deputy director-general Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, the Chinese Malaysian has been admitted to the Penang general hospital since April 5 and is showing signs of recovering.

A probable case is o­ne where the afflicted person contracts pneumonia after developing high fever and coughing or breathing difficulties.