Put aside differences, help flatten Covid-19 curve by obeying SOP, King tells M’sians

The King and Queen being briefed by the Health Ministry's disease control division director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli (second from right) on the Covid-19 situation at the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) in the ministry's headquarters, Putrajaya on March 18, last year. -Bernama filepic

PETALING JAYA: It is time for Malaysians to put aside their differences to help flatten the Covid-19 curve once again, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

"It is time for us as citizens and Malaysians, to put political, racial and religious differences aside, and show a spirit of loyalty, humanitarianism and steadfastness in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic," the King said in a statement issued by Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin on Tuesday (Jan 19).

The King's call is in relation to his concern over the pressure on hospitals and frontliners in several states including Selangor, and in particular the Klang Valley, following the spike in Covid-19 cases.

The King noted the rise in cases has led to over 70% of non-Covid-19 beds in some hospitals being used while beds at some ICU units in some hospitals are fully utilised.

"The King expressed his worry in light of the rise in need for treatment and use of ICU beds by patients in Covid-19 hospitals, particularly in the Klang Valley, following a recent drastic rise in cases," Ahmad Fadil said.

He said the King noted that bed occupancy for non-ICU cases in 15 hospitals has reached 70%.

"His Majesty said in the Klang Valley, the use of ICU beds for Covid-19 patients in Kuala Lumpur Hospital and University Malaya Medical Centre has reached 100% while it is 80% in Sungai Buloh Hospital," Ahmad Fadil added.

The King also said more than 70% of ICU beds for Covid-19 patients are in use in hospitals in Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Terengganu and Sarawak.

Despite the rise in cases, the King expressed disappointment that there are still those who go about their daily lives without maintaining self-discipline under the new normal.

"The King calls on the rakyat to show solidarity with and support for frontliners by faithfully obeying all government regulations and SOP.

"With the cooperation and collaboration of the rakyat, the King is confident that we not only can flatten the daily Covid-19 curve again, but also ease the burden on frontliners," he added.

He said the King acknowledged and commended the tremendous sacrifices made by frontliners since the outbreak started early last year.

He called on frontliners to remain steadfast in their battle against the pandemic.