Covid-19: Keep SOP revision to the minimum, govt urged

JOHOR BARU: People here are anxiously awaiting details following an announcement that the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) would be revised.

They hope that the Health Ministry would not make significant changes to the existing SOP, which has been in place since 2022 under the “transition to endemic” phase.

Businessman S. Sures, 51, said many are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, and any move to tighten the existing SOP would make matters worse.

“It’s unclear whether these revisions will relax the current SOP further or impose stricter measures. I hope it’s not the latter.

“We are still recuperating from the economic impact of the pandemic, and any move to reintroduce a strict SOP will make it harder and longer for us to recover,” he said.

Having lost six out of his eight shops due to the pandemic, Sures emphasised the importance of clarity from the government regarding these adjustments.

“However, I welcome any move to loosen the existing SOP. I believe we have reached a point where we are comfortable living side by side with Covid-19.

“With a significant portion of the population vaccinated, Covid-19 could be considered another flu.

“We may do away with the home surveillance order or reduce the duration as the government sees fit,” he added.

Echoing his sentiments was second-hand car dealer Tan Choo Oo, 65, who stressed the importance of a timely release of the SOP details to prevent unnecessary panic and to give the public time to prepare.

“We cannot go through that again. I believe it is very unlikely for the government to impose stricter regulations.

“Even if it does, it is probably in terms of wearing face masks, which I have no problem with. I am in favour of such a move as it can also help prevent the spread of other diseases.

“At the same time, I feel there is no need to further relax the SOP. The existing five-day home quarantine period and obligation to declare when one tests positive for Covid-19 should not be removed,” he said.

Housewife Siti Sarah Suraya Muhammad, 36, said there was no need to impose sterner regulations as people are still on high alert against Covid-19.

“Although we have passed the pandemic phase, many are still taking the necessary precautions without being forced to do so.“I think it is best to leave things as they are unless necessary due to an extraordinary rise in the number of cases, which is not what we are seeing now,” she said.

Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association secretary-general Hussein Ibrahim said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s remarks on the matter recently caught many off guard.

“We are worried as we do not know the details. Many are waiting anxiously to know how the revision of the SOP will change their lives.

“I do not think there is a need for the SOP to be tightened or relaxed further. People are already comfortable with the existing SOP and taking their initiatives to protect themselves,” he said.

On Saturday, Dzulkefly said his ministry will release details of a revised SOP soon, following the country’s transition to the “living with the pandemic” phase.

He said this revised SOP would cover the home surveillance order, the use of face masks, and the declaration of local areas of infection.