KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 16 (Sin Chew Daily) — Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye suggests that the government close all schools — including kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities — for one month in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

He also said all public gatherings should be postponed and that the government should ensure sufficient supply of face masks and food items by imposing purchase limits.

He wrote on Facebook, "The number or cases and contacts is enormous and it is unlikely MOH is able to track and isolate all. Hence containment is no more possible.

"We should focus on mitigation i.e. reduce the number of cases and optimize healthcare resources."