PUTRAJAYA — Dr Mahathir Mohamad made his first official act as the interim prime minister by announcing a RM20-billion (S$6.6 billion) stimulus package on Thursday (Feb 27) to brace the economy against the effects of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

In a press conference that was delayed as he continued meeting politicians this afternoon, Dr Mahathir commended the country’s health workers for successfully containing Covid-19 in Malaysia.

However, he said the disease has already taken a toll on the economy, reducing visitors to the country during a crucial Visit Malaysia Year 2020.