DAY in and day out, the government has been drumming it into our heads that we have to strictly comply with health protocols as outlined by the SOP to battle this Covid-19 pandemic. By and large, Malaysians from all walks of life do adhere to the SOP. No one in the right frame of mind would want to endanger themselves or their families by not following the protocols.
To quote Dr Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to US President Joe Biden, “our fight against Covid-19 must be based on science”. The standard requirement for anyone who has travelled is a 14-day quarantine, and I am very sure this has emerged from scientific research; it has also been adopted and used by most countries.
From day one of the pandemic in Malaysia, our own Health
director-general has rigorously expounded on the need to be quarantined for 14 days. Why the 14-day period – later reduced to 10 days – has been well explained by the Health Ministry: It is all about containing the spread of the virus.
But now, it seems that ministers travelling back from overseas trips only have to be subjected to a three-day quarantine period. What about officials accompanying them? Are there scientific findings that say a three-day quarantine is sufficient?
It is my humble request that the government seriously look into this matter. I dread a new “ministers’ cluster.” We must be united to fight this war together and any derailment is disastrous for the nation. United we stand, divided we fall!
DATUK WEE BENG GEE
Petaling Jaya
