Ramp up efforts to alert public, MCA urges govt

PETALING JAYA: MCA is urging the government to ramp up efforts to get Malaysians to be fully-prepared against the contagious novel coronavirus.

MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said there should be more effort to educate the public on the do’s and don’ts in the event of an outbreak.

He also noted there were calls for visitors from China to be barred from entering Malaysia.

“Some of these calls are bordering on outright racism. To call Chinese tourists carriers of disease in the China-Malaysia Cultural Tourism Year 2020 does not bode well at all.

“If the public are not well informed we may see distressing instances of Chinese tourists being abused, heckled or even boycotted, resulting in a deterioration of Malaysia’s global image and a possible diplomatic spat,” he said.

At the same time, Dr Mah said the government’s move to import 200,000 flu vaccine doses following a news report of nationwide shortages wasn’t adequate.

“This is far too slow; supply of the flu vaccines should be monitored and instantly replenished in the event of a shortfall, not just when the shelves are finally bare.”

Dr Mah also said the government must reveal data on the recent influenza outbreak in the country, as it could help Malaysians decide on precautionary measures.