IPOH: There is no need for the public to wear surgical masks to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) because there are no cases involving human-to-human transmission in Malaysia.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said even wearing surgical mask does not block transmission of the virus.
"No community (human-to-human) transmission of the virus has been reported in Malaysia so far and we are not telling people to wear masks, especially a healthy person.
"Even some experts have said that mask is not an effective way to contain the virus. But it is up to you (to wear mask) and some of us may not realise that we are wearing masks in improper way.
"The best way for people to avoid infection is to wash their hands frequently with soap, detergent and water," he told reporters after attending Chinese New Year celebration at Syuen Hotel here today.
He was asked to comment on reports that some experts dispute the usefulness of masks as a tool to block transmission of the coronavirus.
Dr Lee said at the moment the ministry had yet to make it mandatory for the public to wear masks as tht would cause panic.
"People will query when the school, cinema and shopping complex will be closed? Should we cancel assembly? This will spark unwarranted panic situation," he said.
The virus had so far claimed more than 300 lives across China since it emerged in Wuhan on Dec 31 last year.
As of today, Malaysia has recorded eight positive cases, with all the patients being tourists from China.