Malaysia has detected its first case of a highly infectious coronavirus variant first identified in India, said Health Minister Adham Baba, days after imposing a ban on flights from India.

The variant, named B.1.617, was detected in an Indian national screened at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, he said.

"We advise the public to remain calm [...] All public health efforts will continue in order to break the chain of infection and ensure public safety," Adham said. He did not say when the variant was detected.