The matter was confirmed by the Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) on Monday.
Atlet baling tukul besi Jackie Wong Siew Cheer, atlet Malaysia pertama disahkan dijangkiti #COVID-19 - Presiden KOM pic.twitter.com/JM5BPE3e0z
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The 27-year-old, who holds the national record in hammer throw, is currently under observation at the Sibu Hospital.
"He is believed to have contracted it from his father, who was also diagnosed with COVID-19. The athlete returned to Sarawak on 11 March 2020 and is now in quarantine at the Sibu Hospital.
"As a precautionary measure for the safety and health of athletes of various sports, I have directed that the facilities of the National Sports Council and National Sports Institute that were visited by the athlete to be temporarily closed for the purpose of a full sanitisation process.
"In collaboration and considering the Ministry of Health's (MOH) advice and directives, athletes, coaches and staff who have been in close contact with the athlete will be separated and have been advised to self-quarantine in the hostel, undergo screening and follow the MOH's further advice accordingly," read a press statement by Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Minister of Youth and Sports.
As of Sunday, Malaysia was the most badly affected Southeast Asian nation by the coronavirus outbreak with 428 cases being reported.
