THE National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will carry out a rescue mission to evacuate Malaysians from Wuhan, China, said Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

She said currently there are 132 people – 108 Malaysians and 24 non-citizens – including spouses and children who are registered with the Malaysian embassy for repatriation.

However, they have to undergo exit screenings arranged by the China government at the Wuhan Tianhe International Airport before allowed to be brought back.

She said an AirAsia flight will be used for the eight-man mission comprising six Health Ministry officials, one official each from Nadma and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“AirAsia has scheduled the flight for tomorrow but this is subject to the Chinese government’s approval,” she said in a statement after attending a Nadma briefing with the Health minister and director-general.

The AirAsia flight will have 12 crew members and will also carry face masks, gloves and food allowed by the Chinese government.

“I have met with all the officers, including the cabin crew, to thank them on behalf of the government and the people, especially the families of those involved for their help in bringing Malaysians back from Wuhan,” she said.

“I have also advised them to take care of their own welfare and health as well as those evacuated.”

Wan Azizah, who is also Nadma chairman, said she is satisfied with the Air Disaster Centre that is well equipped.

Passengers, crew and mission members will be taken to the centre for health screening upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Those who display symptoms will be transported to the observation centre by bus.

The observation centre has an operations room, lodging room and other facilities required to house the 158 passengers, including the eight mission workers, 12 cabin crew and six officers from the Malaysian embassy in Beijing during the 14-day quarantine.

On a related development, no new novel coronavirus cases was reported as of noon today.

A total 183 people have been classified as patients under investigation while 18 are awaiting test results.

Close contact of positive cases are at 32. – February 2, 2020.