We characterized HLA and KIR combinatorial diversity in Malay and Malay Chinese, identified substantial allelic and structural diversity of the KIR locus in both populations and discovered novel variations at each analysis level. The Malay are more diverse than Malay Chinese, likely representing a unique history that includes admixture with immigrating populations spanning several thousand years. Characterizing the Malay are KIR haplotypes with large structural variants present in 10% individuals, and the Malaysian Chinese, a low frequency of interactions of KIR2DL1 with C2+HLA‐C.

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Background Blood group antigens are immunogenic polymorphic molecules presented on the surface of RBCs. This study aimed to determine extended blood group profiles (ABO, Rhesus, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, MNS, Cartwright, Dombrock, Colton, Lutheran, and Vel) in Malays, Chinese, and Indians in Peninsular Malaysia. Results Here, ABO Type O, DCCee, MNs, and Fy (a+b−) were the most frequent major blood group phenotypes in all three ethnic groups. Other minor blood group systems distributed differently across these ethnic groups, except for the Kell, Lutheran, Cartwright, and Vel blood group systems, where only K+k−, Lu (8+14), Yt (a+b−), and Vel (+) phenotypes were observed. Exact tests of population differentiation generally showed no significant differences between Malays included in the present study vs. other ethnically similar datasets from previous surveys. However, many significant differences were recorded in comparison between blood group datasets from ethnically unrelated populations (Malays vs. Chinese vs. Indians) especially for Rhesus, Kidd, and Duffy blood group systems. A Principal component analysis (PCA) plot showed that population groups from the Peninsular Malaysia map closely together as compared with population groups from other geographical regions. Conclusions Overall, our present study has successfully provided an extended blood group profiles for Malays, Chinese, and Indians in Peninsular Malaysia. These new blood group datasets can be used as guidelines for donor recruitment and as reference standards for studying diseases associated with blood group systems.

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An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) can be transmitted via contact with affected individuals and social distancing is widely practiced as a public preventive measure to contain the disease. Social distancing implementation includes maintaining at least one-meter distance between every individual, avoiding mass gatherings and staying out of crowded places. To ensure successful implementation of social distancing, many countries including Malaysia have opted for Movement Control Order (MCO). Under MCO, mass assembly of cultural, religious, and social events are prohibited, education institutions, government, and public premises are closed and strict restrictions to leave and enter the country. Here, we provide several clusters of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia that emerged due to non-conformity to social distancing. Our report is thus providing informed decision to policy makers for designing a better pandemic response plan in the country.

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