Named as one of the world's top three doctors in treating COVID-19 is not just meant for the individual but rather a recognition to the country, said Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

In today's COVID-19 daily press conference, he said, without the spirit of teamwork, it would not be possible for Malaysia to minimize the risk of the pandemic transmission.

For example, he said, the Ministry of Health could only advise the Movement Control Order (MCO) be implemented but that was the decision of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“It’s what we should be thankful for and I want to take the opportunity to thank all the ministries and ministers for implementing the MCO.

"We have to see there were four important actions. First of all, border control - thanks to the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Immigration Department.

“Movement control in the country - the police have done their job to ensure the people are in compliance with the MCO. And thank you to the frontline staff, both from the Ministry of Health and those who came out to help,” he added.

Earlier, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was placed on the list of the three best and most trusted doctors in the world for his efforts to address the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

The recognition was given by a Chinese television station, Global TV Network, which also listed Dr. Anthony Fauci of the United States and Dr. Ashley Bloomfield from New Zealand.

The three have been receiving public praise over the past few weeks for being the most trusted source of information and successfully pacifying the people in their respective countries in the wake of panic over the outbreak.