MCA urges the newly-appointed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to take 3 measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 resurgence and safeguard people’s health and lives.
As the number of active Covid-19 cases in Malaysia recently exceeded 20,000, setting a new high for the year, the Health Ministry can no longer treat this matter lightly. According to data released by the Ministry, the number of active cases stands at 20,017 as of Dec 10.
This is an all-time high for the year since the 20,474 cases recorded on 9 December 2022. Moreover, between Dec 3 and Dec 9, eleven people died from Covid-19 in our country, while the number of new positive cases once again exceeded the 10,000 mark, hitting 12,757 cases; this is a jump of 87.7% compared to the previous week.
The ministry is urged to issue the latest pandemic preventive guidelines for business operators, especially for those in the retail and catering industries, where large crowds converge for extended hours.
This includes enhancing the cleansing and disinfection process at high-traffic areas, preparing disinfectants, and encouraging employees and customers to don facemasks.
Additionally, business operators are also encouraged to provide online shopping and takeout services to reduce the risk of crowds gathering.
Secondly, the Ministry is urged to explore the possibility of re-implementing several stringent pandemic-era SOPs for public transport. These include mandating passengers to wear facemasks at any station and once they board buses, MRT, MRT, KTM or e-hailing vehicles. Putting on facemasks reduces the risk of contracting Covid-19. Simultaneously, the relevant public transport authorities need to further strengthen cleansing and disinfection on board public transport.
Thirdly, the Ministry needs to provide the latest guidelines and suggestions to the public as to whether people should go for the third of fifth booster shot against Covid-19. Should high-risk groups be encouraged to take a fifth booster shot? The public needs clear information to refer to.
Given the gradual surge in Covid-19 cases, the Ministry needs to respond rapidly and expediently and provide the guidelines to safeguard public health and safety.
MCA Deputy President
Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon
