In a Facebook posting today, director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the entry and transit of cruise vessels, passengers and crew members required considerable medical resources for screening and treatment purposes.

“During this difficult period, it is important that more medical resources be concentrated at hospitals to attend to medical emergencies and to undertake preventive measures.”

He acknowledged that the cruise industry is an important component of Malaysia’s tourism industry and has contributed significantly to the Malaysian economy.

“We are hopeful that this is a temporary measure and are confident that the concerted efforts of all parties will assist in resolving the issue at hand soonest possible.”

Malaysia had barred all cruise ships from disembarking at local ports.

The latest to be barred was The Costa Fortuna, carrying 2,000 passengers, which was barred entry in Penang and Phuket.

The ship was carrying dozens of passengers from Italy, which is now battling with the epidemic.

Noor Hisham said the ban will only be lifted once the situation improves and the spread of the virus is contained.

He said this was part of measures undertaken by the authorities to contain local transmission and to safeguard public health.

Malaysia has recorded 93 Covid-19 cases with the highest jump of 28 cases on Friday. Worldwide 106,000 have been infected with 3,598 deaths.

Of the 93 cases reported in Malaysia, 75 are locals, 15 China nationals and one citizen each of the United States, Japan and Italy.

Out of this, 23 cases have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals.