Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has tested negative for Covid-19.

"The test came out negative. He has been cleared," an aide to Mahathir was quoted as saying by The Star.

“However, he will still follow the protocol of observing the 14-day quarantine, ” added the aide.

Mahathir had been tested following close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case.

The Star reported that Mahathir is believed to have taken a picture with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, who has since been hospitalised at the Sarawak General Hospital after testing positive for the disease.

Mahathir had previously told TV3 that the quarantine does not pose much hardship for him despite being unable to meet anyone, and it is a religious obligation to undergo quarantine.

“We must be vigilant and rein in ourselves. If we need to isolate ourselves for 14 days, that is okay because it is for the good. This is our bid to fulfil our religious obligations, which is to make our effort before Allah fulfils our prayers,” he said.

Mahathir also urged Malaysians to stay where they are and not use the movement control order as an opportunity to go to their hometowns, which could help spread the disease to the villages.

“And if we don’t watch ourselves and greet people, village folk too will get the disease,” he said.