The government today stood firmly by its move to block entry of visitors from China and Hong Kong, despite protests from tour operators who feared it would batter the tourism industry.

Hong Kong also expressed deep regret over what it said was an "unjustified" move and urged Malaysia to reconsider its decision.

But Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said Malaysia has decided to go "all out" to curb the spread of the mysterious Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) virus.