KUALA  LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health (MOH) tonight dismissed claims by certain quarters that it was late in taking action relating to the 2019 novel coronavirus infection in the country.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the country’s preparedness including facilities and relief teams was at its best even before the World Health Organisation held its meeting on the virus outbreak in Wuhan, China.

“We understand the people’s concerns, but if it was to say that the MOH was slow to act, our National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) at Sungai Buloh has been activated on Jan 5, right after we were made aware of the crisis, even before WHO held its meeting,” said Dr Dzulkefly.