Invest in quality ventilation to keep away Covid-19, says KJ

Out in the open: A good ventilation system, like this modest open-air eatery, would help lower the rate of infections, says Khairy. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

IPOH: Owners of premises and employers should invest in a better ventilation system to reduce the spread of Covid-19, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said a good ventilation system would help lower the rate of infections.

“I appeal to premises owners and employers to invest in a high quality ventilation system and air filters,” he told a press conference after visiting Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here yesterday.

Khairy was commenting on steps that need to be taken as the country transitions to the endemic phase.

“For those who have not been vaccinated or have yet to get their booster shots and vaccinate their kids, please do so.

“Unlike the European Union (EU) or western countries like the UK or the US, which have already done away with face masks, we will maintain its use, especially in enclosed areas. It is still a good way to prevent infections, according to experts,” he said.

On the new Omicron XE variant, Khairy said it had not been detected in the country.

“We are following the latest developments closely.

“We are not sure about the characteristics of this variant.

“We will have to look at the situation in other countries to know if it is highly contagious or more serious than the other variants.

“Only then can we plan our strategy,” he said.

Khairy also confirmed that he had been called up to testify before the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on April 14 over the procurement of the MySejahtera app.

“I will go as I want to assure the public that I have nothing to hide,” he said, adding that personal data from the app was safe and kept in a server owned by the ministry.

“I understand that there may be some concerns about my explanation in the Dewan Negara but it is the real situation.”