MALAYSIANS are advised to defer all non-essential travel to Wuhan and other areas in China that may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Foreign Ministry issued the travel advisory today after China put the cities of Wuhan and neighbouring Huanggang in lockdown.

 The ministry also took note of the decision by several airlines to suspend their flights to and from Wuhan starting today

“Given these developments, the ministry would like to advise Malaysians to defer all non-essential travel to Wuhan and other areas that may be affected by the coronavirus.

“Malaysians residing or travelling in the affected areas are advised to give utmost priority to their personal health and safety by taking precautionary measures and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities.”

China today barred outbound travel in Wuhan and Huanggang amid a deadly virus outbreak traced to a market dealing in illegal exotic meats in the former. Planes and trains are prohibited from leaving in an unprecedented move aimed at containing the disease which has already spread to other countries.

The respiratory virus has claimed 17 lives  and infected hundreds of others in China, and it has also been detected as far away as the United States.

Malaysian carriers Malindo Air and AirAsia today suspended their flights from and to Wuhan.

Malindo Air ticket holders travelling from today to February 8 can call 03-7841 5388 or walk into its ticketing offices for assistance.

The carrier said it is closely monitoring the situation in Wuhan and will provide regular updates on its website.

AirAsia, meanwhile, said all flights bound for Wuhan from Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok and Phuket are cancelled until January 28. – January 23, 2020.