KUALA LUMPUR: Another 117 new Covid-19 cases have been reported, bringing it to a total of 790 cases as of noon Wednesday (March 18), the Health Ministry reported.

Meanwhile, there were 11 recovered Covid-19 patients who have been discharged, bringing this total to 60 cases.

Based on preliminary investigations, 80 of the 117 new cases reported were linked to the tabligh gathering at Masjid Jamek, Sri Petaling, which brings the total number of linked cases to 513.

In total, 15 cases were being treated in the intensive care unit and needed ventilators.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Adham Baba reminded people that the movement control order has come into force on Wednesday and those who commit the offence will be fined not more than RM1,000 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

This is based on the Federal Government Gazette on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Area) 2020 under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) published on Wednesday (March 18).

The gazette outlines the regulations to be adhered to during the implementation of the Movement Control Order announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday (March 16).