PETALING JAYA: Health experts have questioned the rationale behind recent changes in Covid-19 SOPs.
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Dr Lim Kuan Joo and Dr Steven Chow of the Malaysian Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations said it made little sense to extend lockdowns in some states while allowing interstate travel.
They told FMT they were particularly concerned over the spread of the virus from Sabah and were puzzled by the decision to exempt those travelling from the state to the peninsula from the quarantine rule.
Sabah continues to record high numbers of daily cases, with 271 new cases reported yesterday.
Selangor has also been recording high numbers of cases, but Lim and Chow said the state did not pose as much concern because most infections were detected among migrant workers, who would rarely travel out of the state.
But they added that the health ministry should have concentrated on containing the virus around crowded staff dormitories and worksites “from Day One”.
Malaysian Medics International chairman Dr Vikkineshwaran Siva Subramaniam said the public would be less confused if the government were more systematic and transparent with its SOP announcements.
“Instead of randomly announcing restrictions and lifting rules, it might be more effective if the government could put in a little more effort to educate people and explain the changes,” he said. “We should not be left guessing at the intentions.”
Commenting on the decision to allow interstate travel again, he told FMT: “We saw how the Sabah election led to the massive third spike. Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Let’s not take unnecessary risks.”
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However, he also said allowing more travellers per vehicle would make little difference to people’s exposure to the virus.
“Common sense tells you that if you’re from the same bubble, for example living together, then it doesn’t matter how many are in the same car,” he said.
Vikkineshwaran also spoke of the approaching annual influenza season, adding that people should be getting their flu shots now as it was possible for one to catch influenza and Covid-19 at the same time.
Last Friday, the government announced it was lifting the conditional movement control order (CMCO) for all states except Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah. The CMCO in the three states have been extended to Dec 20.
Travel restrictions were also lifted, with the public now allowed to drive across states and districts without a police permit and with the number of persons allowed to travel together based on the vehicle’s capacity.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said the risk of catching Covid-19 remained regardless of the CMCO extension or lifting of restrictions.
He said it was important for the public to follow SOPs and for the authorities to enforce them strictly.
“The airline industry, transportation system and holiday destinations have all suffered enough,” he said. “Opening up the state and district borders during this time is fair for the economy.
“But it only takes one person to contract the disease and spread it to others.” – FMT