11 Malaysians abroad infected, says Hisham
PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Ministry has identified at least 11 Malaysians abroad who have been infected by Covid-19 since the outbreak began, its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.
He said nine Malaysians in Singapore were infected by the virus but two of them had since recovered, while the remaining seven were being treated in a neighbouring country.
“There (were) two Malaysians in Japan, but both of them had returned to Malaysia,” he said at Wisma Putra here yesterday.
With this update, the total number of Malaysians overseas who have contracted the virus stands at seven. The two Malaysians who returned from Japan are assumed to be free from the virus.
However, Hishammuddin has yet to clarify on this.
“We need to reconfirm the total number (of Malaysians infected overseas) with other ministries.
“What we are announcing (today) is based on Wisma Putra’s information.”
He said Malaysians abroad must register with Wisma Putra as soon as possible.
“Registering with our representatives is important so that assistance can be provided to them. I would like to call on all Malaysians, in or outside of the country, to take precautions as advised by the Health Ministry.
“Please adhere to instructions from local authorities. If you are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, get yourself tested.”
Following the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases worldwide, Hishammuddin said his deputy, Datuk Kamaruddin Jaffar, would head a task force to monitor updates on Malaysians overseas.
On Malaysians in Wuhan, China, he said efforts were underway to bring them home.
He said Wisma Putra was engaging with the Hubei Foreign Affairs Office (Hubei FAO) for permission to bring back the five Malaysians. The five Malaysians who are in Wuhan and free from Covid-19 were identified as Ling Ming Sze, Wong Siong Fung, Ling Chun Hong, Yong Su Ming and Ling Nai Hua.
“Wisma Putra has provided information on their car registration plate numbers, drivers and the route they will take (to go to the airport) to Hubei FAO.
“Wisma Putra is waiting for an answer from the Chinese government and Hubei FAO. They are working tirelessly to help us.” Hishammuddin said he would meet Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to present the Foreign Ministry’s findings on the Covid19 outbreak involving Malaysians overseas.
“We need to coordinate with other ministries and agencies. We also need to find the best solutions or practices employed by others countries in addressing the outbreak.
“I have started contacting my counterparts in other countries to do this. If we share the best practices, we will have a better chance of combating the virus.”
Malaysians in countries afflicted by Covid-19 can contact representatives of Malaysian embassies in the countries. Visit www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/malaysian-mission for more information.