Health Minister: No new Covid-19 cases in the last two days

PUTRAJAYA: There has been no increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Malaysia in the last two days.

The total of positive Covid-19 cases in Malaysia remained at 18 and so far three of those have patients had recovered, said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Health Minister also said over 550 individuals in the country had been tested for the coronavirus since its outbreak.

"We have conducted 550 tests on close contacts of positive cases, as well as individuals who showed symptoms of the coronavirus.

"Out of that total, only 18 have shown to be positive for Covid-19. This gives you a perspective of the infectivity rate of Covid-19 in Malaysia," said Dr Dzulkefly at a press conference here on Wednesday (Feb 12).

Out of the 18 positive cases in Malaysia, 12 involve China nationals while the remaining six are Malaysians.

The three patients who have recovered are all from China and have been allowed to be discharged and return home.

Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry had taken note of the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s advice that Malaysia must prepare for the possibility of a wider transmission of Covid-19.

WHO regional western Pacific director Dr Takeshi Kasai said the disease was at a "critical juncture".

"While we must continue efforts to contain its spread, it is also time that all countries, including Malaysia, prepare for the possibility of wider transmission.

"There are now reports of clusters of cases with no apparent link to China. The latest information suggests that the virus may be more transmissible than early data suggested," said Dr Kasai in a statement.

Dr Dzulkefly said the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia was still under control and remained at containment stage.

"We take this assertion by WHO into perspective. We believe we have not come to that stage, and if ever at all, we are ready to face it.

"Currently, the management of this cluster episode is still being taken care of us and Nadma (National Anti-Disaster Agency).

"We have not passed the baton to the Prime Minister (via National Security Council), but that only happens if we trigger a state of national crisis," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly also said the Health Ministry had already received an additional 26 thermal scanners to be placed at entry points for screening purposes.

"This brings the total of thermal scanners to 80 nationwide," he said.

The Finance Ministry had recently approved the allocation to provide the Health Ministry with additional thermal scanners, to address shortages at the country's point of entries.