Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is out of the Intensive Care Unit of the National Heart Institute (IJN) and has been moved into the Bunga Raya ward this afternoon.

The IJN said that the doctors were happy with Mahathir's progress and will continue with post-surgery rehabilitation including chest and muscle strengthening exercises.

"Dr Mahathir has also been able to walk unaided since Sunday," said the IJN in a statement.

Mahathir, 81, underwent a wound debridement surgery at the IJN on Sept 22 which was carried out by the same team of consultant surgeons who performed a second coronary bypass operation on him on Sept 4.

Although the former premier has been transferred to the normal ward, IJN said that only immediate family members are allowed to visit him.

Family members have also been ordered to give Mahathir adequate rest in between physiotheraphy sessions.

Mahathir's son Mokhzani was quoted in Bernama as saying that his father was getting better and `improving a lot'.

"He is not going to be discharged today. It looks like we will be here for Hari Raya. Insya Allah, he will continue to improve and strengthen," he said.

Mahathir's daughter, Marina in her blog said her father had spaghetti marinara, salad, fruit and pudding for lunch after being transferred to the normal ward.

She said his moving up to the Bunga Raya ward was good enough for the family.

She also posted some photos of his father on her blog .