MALAYSIA recorded 12 more Covid-19 cases today, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 129, said Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.

The new cases were traced through close contact with other cases, the newly appointed minister told reporters at a press conference at KLIA today.

The 12 new cases are linked to case 33, he added.

One more patient with the virus – number 87 – has also been discharged, bringing the number of recovered patients to 25.

“Out of 129, 25 have been discharged. This is a good development,” he said.

Adham said the ministry has deployed personnel at international entry points, including KLIA, to mitigate the spread of the virus from outside the country.

He also advised people to keep a social distance of 1m and to avoid crowded places.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin visited the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre today and chaired a coordination meeting on the country’s handling of the virus outbreak.

“The government is increasing its capacity in various ministries and agencies to prepare for a worsening of the outbreak. This includes improvements to our human resources, laboratory facilities, health clinics and hospitals where Covid-19 cases are treated.

“There are also plans to make the Sungai Buloh Hospital a designated facility to treat Covid-19 cases,” Muhyiddin said in a separate statement.

He reiterated the protective measures Malaysians should take, such as frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitisers when outside; covering their mouths and nose when coughing or sneezing, followed by immediate hand washing; and seeing a doctor for treatment in the event of any fever, cough or respiratory problems within 14 days upon returning from affected countries.

Disclosure of travel history to affected countries must also be made to the attending doctor. – March 10, 2020.