The health ministry announced today that among the 15 healthcare workers are three from the private sector, the rest from public hospitals.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said: “This virus knows no boundaries, regardless of your race, religion or wealth status, even more so if you are a healthcare worker at the frontline of this war.

“Our simple message to the public today: Please help us to help you. Stay at home,” he said in a short statement.

Malaysia has so far recorded more than 900 infections and two death cases.