Malaysia has now imposed a blanket ban on all cruise ship calls. No cruise ships are permitted to dock at the country’s ports until further notice, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Malaysia’s two main ports at Penang and Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur issued letters to cruise lines and travel agents citing instructions from the health and transport ministries.

“We are hopeful that this is a temporary measure and with concerted efforts of all parties, it will be resolved as soon as possible,” said Port Klang general manager Capt K. Subramaniam. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow backed the cruise ship ban.

“Although it could affect the tourism industry, it’s too big a risk,” he said.

Malaysia had nearly 200 cruise ship calls last year attracting about 450,000 passengers. The Health Ministry said 10 new Covid-19 cases were detected this weekend bringing the total number to 93.