In a Facebook posting, Noor Hisham said the 75-year-old Malaysian, who had a history of chronic illness, died at 7.40pm yesterday.

In a bourse filing yesterday, Meridian said post-acquisition, Lee now holds 31.68 million shares or a 5.47% stake in the company.

Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah: We have identified 26 hospitals, plus seven university hospitals, and, hopefully, they can manage and have beds for COVID-19 patients, as well as ICU beds for them.

“Banking institutions will grant an automatic moratorium on all loan/financing repayments/payments, principal and interest (except for credit card balances) by individuals and SME borrowers/customers for a period of six months from April 1, 2020.”

"This impact is expected to be most severe in our hotel assets, where occupancies are expected to reduce substantially and closure may be necessary, while restrictions remain in place."

Anne Tong said she had reported the matter to the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), hoping the authorities will “find the culprit responsible for starting this falsehood”.

"RTKs that trace the antibodies cannot detect the virus for rapid confirmation of infection. So it can't be used to help in the early detection of COVID-19. Therefore, RTKs that trace antibodies are not recommended for the purpose of COVID-19 diagnosis," MoH director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement today.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, LBS Bina said Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai bought the shares via direct business transactions between March 19 and 24 at 32 sen apiece or RM33 million.

Of the new infections, 43 have been traced to the Masjid Jamek Seri Petaling tabligh or religious gathering.

The last time Malaysia’s business optimism recorded negative was the fourth quarter of 2015.