Many doubt the efficacy of temperature screenings

PETALING JAYA: Despite doubting the efficacy of temperature checks, many Malaysians believe screening is better than doing nothing.

“The implementation cost is low, so we may as well scan everyone,” said accountant Danny Ting, 29.

But Ting felt that screenings done on him were always inaccurate.

“I don’t see it as useful in preventing Covid-19. Doing it creates a false sense of security,” he said.

Student Tanverjit Singh, 25, also wondered about the accuracy of temperature checks.

“I went from one shop to another. In a span of five minutes, my temperature went down from 36.9 degrees to 35.2 degrees.

“Those who have fever will take precautions by wearing face masks but those who are asymptomatic will think they are all right,” he said.

K. Sharmila, 33, who works as a baker, expressed her apprehension about temperature checks, noting that it would not be able to detect those who were asymptomatic.

“Many carriers are asymptomatic. Temperature screenings are helpful but not the solution,” she said.

But she conceded that such checks would keep everyone on the alert, adding that it was better to have them than not.

For now, Sharmila said she would continue to abide by the the golden rule – maintaining distance, wearing face masks and washing hands.

“These practices will give a sense of care and concern. It’s good to keep everyone on their toes,” she added.

A worker at a convenience store in Section 17 did not think the temperature screening worked, adding that the readings did “not feel right”.

“We do it because the management says so. We just follow the rules,” he said.

Another worker at a mini market who was taking down a customer’s temperature believed that the readings were not accurate, but it was better than not doing it at all.

“It sort of gives assurance that customers who walk in do not have a fever. We face customers every day, so this is also for our own safety,” she said.

A coffeeshop owner said that taking down customers’ temperatures could prevent those who had a fever from walking in.

“At least we know if anyone has high fever. We can’t do much about those who show no symptoms. We will follow the government’s SOP. That’s the least we can do,” she said.