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Coronavirus Malaysia
AsiaSoutheast Asia

Coronavirus: Malaysia imposes blanket ban on cruise ships after Costa Fortuna turned away

  • In recent days, both Malaysia and Thailand barred the Costa Fortuna cruise ship – carrying about 2,000 people, including dozens of Italians – from docking
  • Local Penang politician told media that Costa Fortuna would now chart a course for neighbouring Singapore

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The Costa Fortuna cruise ship near Phuket, Thailand. Photo: AP
TODAYandAgence France-Presse
Malaysia has issued a prohibition on all cruise ships disembarking at local ports due to rising coronavirus disease cases, according to local media reports.

The Star reported that the ban was ordered by the Health and Transport ministries, and effective immediately. The English news daily cited a Penang Port Commission circular that was issued to shipowners, agents, vessel owners, port authorities and terminal operators telling them that all cruise ships are indefinitely barred from docking at Malaysian ports. The Port Klang Authority (PKA) also issued a similar statement.

PKA general manager Capt K. Subramaniam said the temporary measure was necessary to ensure the right resources were kept at key public health services facilities to handle emergencies and other preventive measures.

“We are hopeful that this is a temporary measure and with concerted efforts of all parties, it will be resolved soonest possible,” he said.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told The Star he was aware of the directive from the Transport Ministry.

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

Malaysia on Sunday confirmed six more cases of coronavirus, taking the country’s total number of infections to 99.

In recent days, both Malaysia and Thailand barred the Costa Fortuna cruise ship – carrying about 2,000 people, including dozens of Italians – from docking.
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