Malaysian workers staying alert

Taking precautions: Travellers crossing the Johor and Singapore border through the Second Link. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: Malaysians working in Singapore are taking precautionary measures due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases there.

Many said they were not taking any chances, despite the fact that most people on both sides of the Causeway had been vaccinated.

Customer service officer P. Thineswara Rao, 35, said he was monitoring his health to avoid transmitting any diseases to others around him.

“I have been focusing on self-discipline when it comes to my health, and this includes keeping tabs on how I am feeling. If I feel unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, I stay at home and follow the necessary guidelines to keep myself and those near me safe.

“These are some simple things we can do to prevent the spread of diseases,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Thineswara has also been wearing face masks and keeping a safe distance from others in public places.

“This (rising number of cases) is a stark reminder of how important it is for us to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect ourselves and others.

“I make sure to wear my mask at all times, especially when around others. I also maintain a safe distance from colleagues who are feeling unwell,” he said.

Environment services officer Mohamad Ariffin Mohd Lawi, 31, said he was keeping abreast of the Covid-19 situation in both countries.

“Things seem to be normal in Singapore with no major announcements or new guidelines with regards to Covid-19. I believe that the rising number of cases is not too alarming as most people have already been vaccinated in Malaysia and Singapore.

“For now, I have yet to make any drastic lifestyle changes, but I keep myself updated on the situation. If either government were to make any official announcement, I will heed them,” he said.

On May 19, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation in Singapore as the caseload in the republic had doubled to 25,900 in the week between May 5 and 11, up from 13,700 the previous week.

A total of 280 hospitalisations were reported.