MIRI: Mirians have been told to remain calm but alert for developments on Covid-19 after Brunei reported its first positive case on Monday.

Miri Member of Parliament Dr Michael Teo Yu Kheng, when contacted, advised the public to practise good high hygiene.

“We must remain alert but calm in facing this development. I would like to advise the public to avoid shaking hands and wash their hands properly and frequently as a precaution,” Teo said.

He said parents especially are advised not to panic as the infection rate among children is negligible.

“Older people are more vulnerable due to a lower immune system. Covid-19 is similar to H1N1 where older people are vulnerable,” he said.

Dr Teo also commended the Brunei government for its transparency and professionalism in handling the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

“That is the right way to go, because this approach actually has enabled the people to take precautionary steps,” he said.

Brunei’s Health Ministry said in a statement yesterday that the sultanate’s first positive case is a 53-year-old man who went to Kuala Lumpur with three others on Feb 27.

The statement said that the patient and his friends returned home on March 3 via Airasia flight AK5651 to Miri.

The patient also made a day trip to Miri on March 6.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting also urged Mirians to remain vigilant for the latest Covid-19 development.

Ting, who is Piasau assemblyman, said as one of the people’s representatives here, he was concerned with the development but asked Mirians to remain calm.

“Do not panic, instead practice good personal hygiene by washing hands frequently and avoid shaking hands,” he said.

According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Health website, a total of 129 confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported in the country as of March 10, while 262 cases are awaiting for test results.

However, there are so far no confirmed cases in Sarawak.