The first batch of medical equipment from China is on its way to Hospital Sungai Buloh, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

In a statement, the minister said he had been informed by officials at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia today that the first batch of medical equipment was on its way to Hospital Sungai Buloh.

“Thank you to the Chinese government for assisting us promptly,” Hishammuddin said, recalling that during his meeting on Monday with Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Bai Tian, the latter had told him: “We will climb hills together, and descend valleys together”.

On Monday, the minister had received a visit from the ambassador, at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya, to discuss the strengthening of ties between both countries for the benefit of various sectors, as well as efforts to contain COVID-19.

The minister said he had a discussion with the ambassador on the possibility of Malaysia receiving assistance from China to address COVID-19.

Following the meeting, Hishammuddin who is also the Member of Parliament for Sembrong, communicated officially with Wang Yi, his counterpart in China, concerning the assistance which includes the provision of COVID-19 test kits, face masks and hand sanitisers.