Health DG confirms ban on cruise ships, says they take up considerable resources

CORONAVIRUS | Malaysia will not permit the entry of cruise vessels to its ports with immediate effect due to the Covid-19 outbreak until the overall situation improves and the spread of the virus is contained, said Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said in view of the recent resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia and around the world, various measures were being taken by the Malaysian authorities to contain local transmission and to safeguard public health.

Hisham said entry and transit of cruise vessels, passengers and crew members require considerable medical resources to be made available at ports for screening and treatment purposes.

"During this difficult period, it is important that more medical resources are concentrated at hospitals to attend to medical emergencies and undertake preventive measures.

"As such the Health Ministry in consultation with other government ministries and agencies has taken the decision not to permit the entry of cruise vessels to Malaysian ports," he said in a Facebook posting today.

Hisham said the Health Ministry acknowledged that the cruise industry is an important component of Malaysia’s tourism sector and has contributed significantly to the economy but was hopeful that this is a temporary measure and was confident that the concerted efforts of all parties will assist in resolving the issue at hand soonest possible.

- Bernama