PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has denied any need for Malaysians to work from home in light of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in the country.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the present situation does not warrant for such a drastic move as the outbreak is well under control.
"The outbreak situation does not warrant for such move yet. There is no need for that as we haven't reached such stage of severity.”
He said although other countries may have issued such directives, Malaysia has not come to that, in terms of the number of cases as well as its spread.
"No indication to encourage working from home at this moment. If other countries want to impose working from home as an option, it’s in their jurisdiction to decide," he said, referring to China, where the disease first broke out in December last year.
China records the highest number of cases with over 40,000 confirmed cases and highest number of fatalities with 908 deaths.
Meanwhile, speaking on alternative medication for the virus, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry only followed evidence-based medications in its method of treatment.
To a question on a combination of 'kangkung' (water spinach) and coconut water as potential cure to 2019-nCoV, Dr Dzulkefly neither confirmed nor denied the mixture as a remedy.
Many unverified home remedies and traditional methods alleged to cure the virus have been making its round on the social media since the outbreak.
This has raised many concerns among the general public.