KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin tonight announced a major mobilisation of health facilities nationwide to fight Covid-19.
In an address to the nation, he said Putrajaya has identified a hospital in each state which will specialise in the treatment of Covid-19 cases.
This in addition to Hospital Sungai Buloh, which has already been designated to treat Covid-19 patients, with a capacity of 772 patients at any one time.
“The capabilities of laboratories to carry out Covid-19 tests have also been increased.
“This includes 22 laboratories under the health ministry and other labs under the defence and agriculture and agro-based ministries,” he said.
Muhyiddin also wants all international conferences, mass gatherings and sporting events to be either cancelled or postponed, saying this measure will be imposed until April 30, after which Putrajaya will review whether to extend it or otherwise depending on the situation.
Muhyiddin also hopes that state religious authorities will issue their own guidelines to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 to Muslims who frequent places of worship, following a list of precautions for Friday prayers released by the minister in charge of religious affairs Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad yesterday.
He disclosed that the Covid-19 outbreak has hit the nation’s tourism sector hard, with an expected loss of RM3.37 bil within the first two months of the year, resulting in Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the year expected to shrink as much as 0.8% to 1.2%, with a total potential loss of up to RM17.3 bil.
“I am aware that some you are economically affected by the outbreak of this disease. Some are asked to take time off, work from home, and even lose their jobs. Economically, the sectors most affected are tourism, small and medium enterprises, and the transport industry.
“I am aware that urgent steps must be taken by the government to reduce the impact of this outbreak on the country’s economy, especially for the people. To this end, the government will ensure that the announced economic stimulus package will be monitored for implementation so that the impact will be felt by all of you immediately,’’ he added.
Muhyiddin was referring to the Stimulus Package 2020 that was announced last month to reduce the economic impact of Covid-19. – March 13, 2020, Bernama.
