Covid-19 data repository 10 months too late, Dzulkefly tells Adham

 

PARLIAMENT | Dzulkefly Ahmad (Pakatan Harapan - Kuala Selangor) told Health Minister Dr Adham Baba that his ministry’s Covid-19 data repository has come 10 months too late now that the Covid-19 tally in Malaysia exceeds a million confirmed cases.

“I am very thankful for (the data repository posted on) Github but it is 10 months too late,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The repository was set up last week and provides data on Malaysia’s Covid-19 pandemic in a machine-readable format. This includes information such as the number of Covid-19 cases, tests conducted, ICU utilisation and the number of MySejahtera check-ins.

However, Adham replied: “Never mind, at least it’s there” and continued winding up his parliamentary speech.

Unhappy with Adham’s response, Dzulkefly lashed out against Adham by accusing him of missing the point.

“That is not the issue! The issue is because of the lack of data-sharing. That’s why we have a million cases, that’s what the government need to understand,” he said.

Dzulkefly said the lack of data sharing between the Health Ministry and the Selangor government was one of the factors contributing to a large number of Covid-19 cases in the state, which has recorded the highest number of cases in the country.

Adham replied that the Selangor Health Department was privy to the data but Dzulkefly countered that the Selangor Health Department was not allowed to share the data with the state government.

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Unperturbed by Dzulkefly’s attacks, Adham continued winding up his speech by talking about mass Covid-19 testing.

However, Dzulkefly again took issue with Adham by accusing him of lying about data regarding mass testing conducted in each state.

“There are 35 types of tests conducted to contain Covid-19 and the issue raised is regarding mass testing. This is a good initiative and has been conducted by the Health Ministry in every state since the pandemic began.

“The Health Ministry has also conducted targeted mass testing and mass testing in areas under an enhanced movement control order,” Ahmad said.

Dzulkefly interjected by demanding Adham substantiate his claims.

“Where? Don’t just talk, where is the data? Don’t lie in this august house.

“Where are the other states that do this? Don’t lie. Even Selangor is struggling to do this, let alone other states,” he said. - Mkini