Malaysian authorities have warned of a new wave of coronavirus after 260 new infections were reported, the biggest daily spike since early June, following an election in the country’s second-largest state Sabah.

Malaysia has largely avoided a massive outbreak thanks to strict early lockdowns but daily new infections have climbed in the past week, after an increase in travellers to Sabah ahead of its state elections last Saturday.

Director-general of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah said the increase in cases could be seen as “the beginning of a new wave” and urged the public to continue practicing social distancing and avoid leaving their homes unless necessary.