Development of Coronavirus Outbreak in Malaysia

As of February 20, the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in Malaysia was recorded at 22, while 15 of them have been cured.

 

The first coronavirus victim in the country, a tourist from China who entered Malaysia through Singapore, is one of the cured patients.

 

Additionally, zero coronavirus-related death was recorded in the country.

 

 

According to map analysis of coronavirus exposure by the Malaysian media, there were a high number of articles that mentioned Johor, as the state borders the country with Singapore.

 

There have been several coronavirus cases in Johor that involved Chinese nationals who came from Singapore.

 

There was a total of 84 coronavirus cases recorded in Singapore, and 34 of them have recovered as of February 20.

 

Meanwhile, Sabah was also frequently mentioned by the Malaysian media despite the state is free from any coronavirus cases.

 

This is because Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal was active in addressing the outbreak.

 

The state government imposed a ban on travellers from China or for those who have visited the country within the past two weeks.

 

Shafie said the China ban will only be lifted as soon as the vaccine for the virus is available.

 

 

According to media intelligence, the economical impact is the major concern for the country amidst the outbreak.

 

The tourism sector contributed 15.9% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia.

 

Hence, the declining tourist arrival in Malaysia has been frequently quoted to be a major contribution to the forecasted decline in the nation’s economy.

 

 

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is the most active influencer to talk on the coronavirus in different perspectives including economy, tourism, World Health Organization (WHO), school and even hoaxes that were spread in the media.

 

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was also frequently quoted by the local media.

 

On February 11, he announced that the vaccine for the coronavirus could be ready in 18 months.

 

He also praised Malaysia’s preparedness and ability in dealing with the outbreak, holding Malaysia in high regard in terms of public health.