People wearing masks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 9, 2020. Malaysia on Monday announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

Malaysia on Monday announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117.

One patient of the newly identified had travelled to Iran between Feb. 20-27. He was confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on March 8, the health ministry said in a statement.

Among Malaysia's second wave of cases beginning late February, only six cases had travel history, while the vast majority were infected locally with close contacts, the ministry said.

Two patients remained in intensive care, the ministry added.

The ministry also announced a collaboration with the country's private medical sector to provide home testing for COVID-19, without having to visit a healthcare facility. It also repeated its advice that Malaysians avoid travelling to territories or cities affected.

People wearing masks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 9, 2020. Malaysia on Monday announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

People wearing masks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 9, 2020. Malaysia on Monday announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

A woman wearing masks walks on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 9, 2020. Malaysia on Monday announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

People wearing masks walk on a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 9, 2020. Malaysia on Monday announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)