KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has advised the public not to be misled by rumours or fake news on social media on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov).
Its president Dr N Ganabaskaran said the public must only heed updates released by the Health Ministry and other relevant ministries through the mainstream media.
“They must not share unsubstantiated information that may create unnecessary fear and panic among the people.
“We have full faith that (the situation) is being handled well by the Health Ministry and that the government is doing its best in carrying out all necessary measures.
“Now is the time for all to place our trust in the government in handling this complex situation,” he said.
Ganabaskaran also advised medical frontliners attending to coronavirus cases to adhere to the highest standards of infection control.
He said healthcare providers, from doctors to support staff, must protect themselves.
“They need to take care of themselves at all times,” he said in a statement today.
The airborne virus has claimed 56 lives across China since it emerged on Dec 31, 2019.
While most confirmed cases of the virus are in China, especially in and around the city of Wuhan, cases have emerged in 14 countries, including Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.