The government will monitor the COVID-19 situation in China before making any decision on a temporary blanket ban of Chinese citizens visiting Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

The prime minister said COVID-19 infections were still under control in Malaysia.

“We are still not convinced that we have reached the peak in terms of the Covid-19 risk. 

"We are watching the situation before we make any decision about Chinese visitors coming to Malaysia,” he told a press conference after chairing the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council Meeting at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya last night.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was reported yesterday as saying that the Cabinet had discussed suggestions to temporarily prohibit China tourists from visiting Malaysia.

Cumulative confirmed Covid-19 cases in Malaysia remain at 22, of which five are still being treated, while 17 others have fully recovered and allowed to return home.

- Bernama