ANY decision to bar travellers from China should be based on evidence, said Bai Tian today.

The Chinese ambassador to Malaysia said he is particularly sad about Sabah’s move, announced yesterday, to stop all flights from the mainland due to the outbreak of a deadly new coronavirus.

“I’m very sad to hear about Sabah’s decision. I think this decision needs a relook because any decision made by any government on this matter has to be based on a very solid foundation.

“I hope in a difficult situation like this, the normal flow of people, (as well as) trade and commercial activities, is not affected between China and Malaysia, including Sabah, of course,” he told an event in Putrajaya that saw Malaysian firms pledging to donate medical rubber gloves to healthcare facilities in Wuhan, the epicentre of the viral outbreak that began last month.

He said China is working closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and is transparent in its fight against the disease.

“China has shared the genetic sequence of the virus with WHO in record time, and has mustered a group of top researchers from all over the country for vaccine development.

“All these measures show China’s strong determination to stop the epidemic, and safeguard local and global health.”

Malaysia has yet to decide on barring flights from China, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke saying the implications of such a move need to be studied first.

Bai thanked Malaysia for helping China overcome its shortage of medical supplies, saying the battle against the virus is at a critical stage.

“Many Malaysian companies and people have stepped up to provide medical supplies to China.

“For this, I’m deeply touched by your kind, timely and precious support and assistance.

“The donations today fully demonstrate the friendship between Malaysia and China, and prove that we are bonded by our brotherhood.

“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Malaysia.”

Ten Malaysian companies pledged to donate 18 million pieces of medical gloves at today’s event, which was witnessed by Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok.

China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 8.1%, or RM313.8 billion, of total trade in 2018.

In 2014, Malaysia sent more than 20 million medical gloves to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria and Congo during the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

The nation is the world leader in medical glove production, exporting 180 billion pieces per annum. In 2018, Malaysia’s glove exports contributed RM17.7 billion, and last year, they hit RM18 billion. – January 31, 2020.