One more probable Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) case was detected yesterday, bringing the total to six since the first probable case was recorded o­n March 30.

The latest patient is a 54-year-old Chinese Malaysian woman, who was admitted to the Penang General Hospital o­n Monday.

"Her condition is quite serious as she needs a lot of oxygen," Health Ministry deputy director-general Dr Mohd Ismail Merican told reporters during his daily briefing at the ministry in Kuala Lumpur today.

Trace in progress

The patient had developed cough, fever and respiratory problems o­n April 9, during a visit to Singapore from April 6 to 11.

Asked how she was allowed to pass through the causeway checkpoint despite health screening, Mohd Ismail replied that her illness may not have been serious at that time.

"Maybe she o­nly had a slight fever, a little bit of cold at that time, I don't know what exactly she had, but she supposedly fell ill in Singapore," he said.

Asked if her family members have been placed under quarantine, he said those who have been in close contact with her are being "actively traced". However, he was uncertain of the number of people involved.

Mohd Ismail also warned the public to stop rumour-mongering as the police were keeping track of this.

He said this when asked to comment o­n a widely circulated statement purportedly issued by the Prime Minister's Department urging the public not to patronise a hotel in Kuala Lumpur because of the disease. The department confirmed earlier today that it had not issued the statement.

Local transmission

Despite the rise in the number of probable Sars cases, Mohd Ismail maintained that the situation in Malaysia is under control but expressed concern over the possibility of local transmission.

"So far, all are imported but we're very worried because you know, as more and more cases (occur), anything can happen," he added.

Three other probable Sars patients remain in designated hospitals - two in Penang and another in Langkawi - and all are in stable condition.

A 64-year-old Chinese Malaysian man from Jerantut, Pahang, was the first probable death related to Sars in the country. He died o­n March 30 at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The ministry is waiting for the post-mortem reports o­n two more deaths which could be related to the disease.

Up to yesterday, seven new notification cases were reported, four of which were suspected Sars - three from Negeri Sembilan and o­ne from Kuala Lumpur.

Six of these patients were isolated in designated hospitals. With 12 releases, the total number of isolation cases is now 31.

Of those isolated, four are probable cases, with 12 suspected and 15 notification. Two days ago, the numbers were three, 10 and 24 respectively.

Those under home quarantine remain at 13. Of these, two are linked to the fourth probable case (an Indian national) and the rest to the fifth probable patient from Kulim, Kedah.

Committee meeting

In a related development, the joint-border health committee members from Singapore and Malaysia held their fist meeting in Putrajaya this morning.

Representatives from both countries discussed measures that should be taken to contain the outbreak of the disease.

The committee has agreed to join forces under a frame of co-operation in eight areas - epidemiology, clinical features including laboratory and investigation, public health measures, infection control practice, contacts tracing and quarantine, cases o­n board vessel and aircraft, citizens hospitalised with Sars and status update of Sars cases.

They will meet again o­n Monday to discuss the screening surveillance at the causeway.

Health Minister Chua Jui Meng was not available to meet reporters today. He was scheduled to present guidelines o­n compulsory wearing of masks among 'certain groups' and a review o­n the issuance of visas to those from high-risk countries.

According to the World Health Organisation's latest figures, 3,235 people have been infected while 154 deaths have been recorded to date worldwide.