MALAYSIA has been handling the coronavirus outbreak (Covid-19) effectively, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The prime minister said Malaysia was prepared from the start, adding that a few people have been quarantined as a precautionary measure.

“We were careful since the beginning. We screen those who come to Malaysia, especially from China and we quarantine them for 14 days if we think they are carriers of the virus.

“We also quarantined our people whom we brought back from Wuhan for 14 days. Fortunately, we only have 19 cases and most of the 19 are Chinese citizens,” Dr Mahathir said in Langkawi today.

Only six of the 19 confirmed cases in Malaysia are locals, while the rest is Chinese citizens.

“As of now our efforts has been effective. I hope with the cooperation of the public, we can protect the country from this disease (Covid-19).”

Dr Mahathir has also been in touch with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the outbreak.

The prime minister and the Chinese leader spoke about the impact of the epidemic and how to maintain economic development for this year.

Xi described Dr Mahathir as “old friend of the Chinese people”.

Xi also said Dr Mahathir’s phone call comes at a critical period when China is fighting to contain the epidemic, adding that it is a sign of support and the friendly feelings between the two nations.

The Covid-19 outbreak started in Wuhan in late December.

The death toll now stands at 1,380. The total number of cases has now risen to 63,851 in more than 25 countries. – February 14, 2020.