MALAYSIANS rejoiced when the Federal Government reopened the country’s borders in April last year, signalling a positive turn in the battle against Covid-19.
By Oct 5, 2022, the reported cases had significantly decreased to 1,722 reported cases, zero deaths, and 42 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
However, as 2023 approaches its conclusion, a resurgence of Covid-19 cases has cast a shadow over the optimism.
In an abrupt press conference held yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad disclosed that between Dec 10 and Dec 16 this year, 20,696 cases were reported nationwide – a 62% surge compared to the previous week.
Despite the increase, Dr Dzulkefly assured the public that the government is not considering the reinstatement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) but urged the people to increase their vigilance.
He recommended that the public practise wearing masks, particularly in crowded or enclosed areas, uphold hygienic norms, undertake regular Covid-19 tests, and self-isolate when contracting Covid-19.
Generally, the public remains cautious about the increase in Covid-19 cases in Malaysia. Many welcomed the government’s move to not reinstate MCO, while suggesting potential enhancements to the strategy.
Earlier today, the Buletin Mutiara spoke to a few members of the public and below are their comments.
Irene Lee (20, law student):
“I appreciate the government’s nuanced approach, opting not to reimpose a full MCO. The five-point strategy announced by our health minister reflects a comprehensive and well-thought-out approach to address the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.
“The emphasis on early detection, community tracing, health facility monitoring, and effective communication demonstrates a commitment to managing the crisis efficiently.”
Azmira Zubad (26, lawyer):
“I agree with the government’s actions, undertaking a balancing act between the containment of the widespread Covid-19 virus and mitigating potential impacts on the national economy.
“I prefer the emphasis placed on individuals to self-isolate rather than the past government’s restrictive measures imposed such as MCOs. Not to mention that most of the cases reported at the moment are asymptomatic.
“Thus, to combat Covid-19, we just got to do our part and stay vigilant!”
Bor Neng Quan (20, university student):
“I echo the views shared by the newly appointed health minister to practise preventive measures against the virus, which is making a comeback.
“The public certainly has a role to play. However, the government, which has been dealing with the virus for more than two years, should be better equipped to respond to the recent spike.”
Meanwhile, a retiree (who chose to remain anonymous) has raised doubts about the accuracy of the reported confirmed Covid-19 cases in Malaysia since the figure may have been underreported.
“Not all will report their Covid-19 contraction status on MySejahtera; some may choose to avoid this as there is no mechanism to detect such actions. This method is preferred as it does not constrict movement.”
At the same time, the retiree urged the government to stay updated on confirmed cases based on Covid-19 variant group and make this data publicly accessible.
Furthermore, the retiree was concerned about the suitability of existing vaccine stock against new and more complex Covid-19 variants.
Regardless, he urged the public to take their vaccines or boosters immediately if they have not.
Covid-19 patients living in Penang can visit the available Covid-19 Assessment Centre via the state’s Health Department’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=739513264873869&set=a.634290128729517
Those interested in obtaining Covid-19 booster shots and vaccines within Penang can make their appointments through the MySejahtera application. However, the availability of vaccines and boosters depends solely on the stocks available at the health clinics.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix courtesy of the interviewees