MMA praises MOH but says other ministries 'totally ignorant' on combating Covid-19

CORONAVIRUS | The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has lambasted many ministries for continuing to hold large gatherings despite the Health Ministry’s (MOH) advisory to do otherwise.

While it praised the efforts taken by the Health Ministry in tackling the spread of Covid-19, it said the other ministries' actions showed many were “totally ignorant” of their roles in combating the outbreak.

“The sudden rise of Covid-19 cases with 190 newly reported cases traced back to the tabligh gathering should have raised the alarm on the importance of social distancing.

“The MOH has been providing leadership since the onset of the outbreak, however, while the MOH and its workforce at the hospitals are risking themselves and are working around the clock with daily updates, the other ministries seem to be totally ignorant of their roles in managing this crisis.

“We have noticed certain ministries have ignored the advice given by the prime minister and continue to hold large gatherings,” MMA president Dr N Ganabaskaran (above) said in a statement.

The latter cautioned that the MOH has limited resources to single-handedly combat the virus’ spread.

Among others, the MMA urged the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to play a more important role in tracing the 14,500 Malaysian participants of the multi-day religious tabligh gathering in Kuala Lumpur recently.

“Nadma, which should play an important role as they have the most power, seems to have left it to the MOH to deal with without taking this issue seriously.

“It must be noted that the MOH has limited powers when it comes to enforcement. Nadma should work and assist the ministry in mobilising screening of the 14,500 Malaysian participants, even if it is to mobilise the army,” said Ganabaskaran.

The Malaysians were part of a 16,000-person strong gathering at a mosque in Sri Petaling which began on Feb 27. It was aimed at bringing together missionaries who would later return to their hometowns to commence missionary work.

However, the gathering became a Covid-19 cluster of infection.

Yesterday, Malaysia recorded the highest single-day increase of Covid-19 cases at 190, bringing the total to 428. Of the total, 42 patients have recovered and been discharged.

It was reported as of 7pm on March 14, a total of 4,942 participants of the tabligh gathering have been identified and 3,069 were tested with 137 referred to hospitals. - Mkini