THE number of coronavirus cases in Malaysia remains at eight, said the Health Ministry.

No additional cases were confirmed as of noon today, it told a daily press briefing in Putrajaya on the viral outbreak.

The country’s eighth patient was confirmed yesterday.

“The total number of patients under investigation stands at 127 – 68 Malaysians, 56 Chinese nationals, and one each from Jordan, Brazil and Thailand,” said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the number of close contact cases remains at 32, with five confirming positive.

Four of the patients are in isolation wards in Sg Buloh Hospital, while one is in Johor Baru’s Permai Hospital.

Dr Dzulkefly said Malaysia is “in control” of the outbreak.

“As you know, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has escalated the (coronavirus) issue as a public health emergency, and has advised countries to undertake active surveillance and isolation precautions.

“But Malaysia has already undertaken the necessary steps ahead of the WHO caution. We are in control of it, and are on top of the challenges.” – January 31, 2020.