MOH: Viral message saying those quarantining at home due to Covid-19 can claim RM50 a day is fake

MOH has issued a number of announcements to debunk fake news related to Covid-19. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: A viral WhatsApp message saying those with Covid-19 who are required to observe home quarantine can claim RM50 a day through a refund link has been debunked as fake by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

In a post on Facebook, MOH explained that content of the text message did not reflect the information in the link provided. Based on the screenshot of the viral WhatsApp message, the link provided will take users to information about a refund procedure process for non-Malaysians who have paid for a Covid-19 test or quarantine cost at a designated quarantine station.

MOH said those looking for more information related to the Bantuan Prihatin MySalam Covid-19 scheme, which provides RM50 a day to eligible recipients in the B40 group, can refer to the MySalam website or contact 1300 888 938 for more information.

According to details on the MySalam website, the scheme is open to Bantuan Sara Hidup recipients earning less than RM24,000 a year. Those in the group who have been warded due to Covid-19 can submit a claim to receive hospital allowances for RM50 a day, for up to 14 days a year.

MOH has issued a number of announcements to debunk fake news related to Covid-19. Only July 10, it said a poster claiming that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved certain medications to treat Covid-19 is fake.

On July 4, it urged members of the public not to use a so-called shortcut tip that has gone viral on social media where MySejahtera users can reportedly submit a request to its Helpdesk to get their Covid-19 vaccination appointments. MOH said that by doing so, genuine queries would end up getting lost in the system.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has also urged members of the public to beware of fake information related to Covid-19 vaccinations that have been shared widely on messaging platforms in a statement on July 9.

It urged members of the public to seek confirmation from the Special Committee for Ensuring Access to Covid-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV), the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF), or the district health centre (PKD) in their area.