Experts: Abide by SOP during election

PETALING JAYA: Members of the public have been called to observe precautionary measures as Malaysia goes to the polls due to a slight surge in Covid-19 cases.

Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiologist Associate Prof Dr Malina Osman said cases are expected to increase with the presence of the XBB variant, which has a higher transmissibility.

However, she noted that with “satisfactory” vaccination coverage, the situation will be different than before the vaccination drive began.

She did say, though, that people who are more likely to get a serious infection and can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons need to be alert.

“Specific for this election, it is recommended that the public continue to abide by the recommended standard operating procedures – put on a mask in public, complete the vaccination, and avoid unnecessary crowds,” she said.

All stakeholders should be responsible for a safe election, avoiding any possible risk to the public, particularly those who are in high-risk groups,” she added.

Anticipating a spike, public health advocate and Volunteers for Community Engagement and Empowerment for Covid-19 (VCEE19) chairman Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said cases could increase due to huge gatherings and exposure to crowds.

“The public must try to avoid crowded gatherings, wear a face mask all the time, avoid crowds if they have symptoms, and get boosted,” he said.

He added that voters should also be mindful to maintain physical distance, wear face masks, and sanitise while voting.

“Positive cases should be segregated,” he stated.

Caretaker health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has advised voters and candidates to mask up.

Khairy added that political parties and candidates should set a good example by using face masks when in confined spaces, especially when there are senior citizens, or when canvassing for votes door-to-door.

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“When we have ceramah in crowded halls, political parties are encouraged to make announcements requiring attendees to wear face masks,” he said.

He said the ministry had already given its recommendations on polling day standard operating procedures to the EC, which they would announce.

Malaysia recorded 4,711 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, which brings the total caseload to 4,914,557.