The president of the Malaysian Medical Association and 12 predecessors have penned an open letter to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin calling for a gradual relaxation of the movement control order (MCO) measures currently being implemented to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“To Malaysia’s credit, the measures taken by the government, guided by professionals and the best available knowledge, have so far managed to prevent the sort of runaway increase in cases and deaths that we have seen in some other countries,” read the letter.
However, they say it is likely that a stepwise relaxation of movement control will be the way forward.
“For instance, businesses may be allowed to operate with strict guidelines on how many people can be on the premises. Public transport may have to operate with limited loads and with frequent disinfection. Solitary public exercise will have to be permitted, to allow for mental and physical health issues.
“In all cases, strict hand hygiene and physical distancing must be observed, with masks if necessary. Interstate travel may need to be restricted but will have to be prioritised for economic needs rather than personal.
“Large group congregations for places of worship, celebrations (e.g. weddings) unfortunately will have to be restricted until the likelihood of community viral spread comes down consistently. This might take upwards of months to years.
“All such measures will need enforcement, and enforcers must be given very clear guidelines so they do not exceed the limits of the regulations or their powers. The public likewise must be well informed about the practical effects of such regulations – what is and is not permissible,” reads the letter.
The letter is signed by the current president of the MMA Dr N Ganabaskaran and 12 past presidents including Dr Ashok Philip, Dr David Quek Kwang Leng, Dr H Krishna Kumar, Dr A Krishnamoorthy, Dr N Arumugam, Dr Milton Lum Siew Wah, Dr RP Lingam, Dr John Chew Chee Ming, Dr Ravindran Naidu, Dr Subramaniam Nadarajan, Dr Abdul Hamid and Dr Mohamed Namazie Ibrahim.
In making this call, the physicians acknowledge that the coronavirus is not going to disappear anytime soon but asked if this means that all Malaysians have to cower at home until the “all clear” is declared.
“There are many strategies that can support community resilience and mental health, protect access to essential goods and services, and limit the economic impact of stay-at-home measures where these are deemed necessary.
“For example, organising work-sites to ensure physical distance between persons, such as staggering shifts over time, or converting on-site service to home delivery may help to keep more businesses open.
“Tele-working and tele-schooling strategies in different contexts demonstrate innovation and the role of technology in supporting business continuity and sustaining social connection within families and communities.
“In general, implementation of distancing measures should also aim to sustain personal and professional community connections by virtual means and technology, including widely accessible means such as radio and mobile phones.”
“Therefore, disruption of social activities, gainful employment, job losses and bankruptcies will have to be tempered with strong tangible ground level people to people, as well as small enterprise/small business support.
“No jobs means no income – many would be hard-pressed to survive a prolonged MCO or long-term lockdowns. Thus, it is extremely critical to plan the long-term easing of these movement control and social distancing efforts,” added the physicians.
Safeguard healthcare professionals
The physicians say that while relaxing movement control, we cannot afford to let up on diagnosis, isolation and treatment of Covid-19 patients.
“We will need to get a point of care rapid tests such as we have for dengue and influenza, which we hope will be evaluated and available within a few weeks.
“We will need to look into those who have been cured or who have protective antibodies so that perhaps these convalescent people might get ‘certificates of infection and cure’, and therefore, be allowed to return quickly to society – to work, to pursue business, to study et cetera.”
They also warned against any sort of monopoly on the manufacture, import, distribution and sale of such tests or economic incentives.
“These should benefit all our rakyat equitably and fairly without losses from leakages and unnecessary bureaucracy. The government must exercise financial prudence, power restraint as well as great transparency so that the rakyat can have confidence in the government’s management and control of this Covid-19 pandemic.”
The physicians also called on authorities to take measures to safeguard the health of rest accorded to healthcare professionals.
“Globally, hundreds of doctors and nurses have already died looking after Covid-19 patients. This should not be allowed to happen here. If doctors and nurses get sick, that places even greater strains on the healthcare system. Worse, this will seriously undermine the morale and confidence of frontline healthcare workers here,” they said.
‘Public’s health precious’ – former minister wants MCO to continue
Former education minister Mahdzir Khalid believes the government should extend the movement control order (MCO), stressing that the public’s health is precious.
His assessment was based on the daily briefings by Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Umno leader proposed several initiatives which could be implemented if Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is scheduled to address the nation at 4pm, announces an extension for the MCO.
As for education with regard to the primary and secondary levels, Mahdzir said the Education Ministry must encourage more online learning.
“Using an interactive platform can motivate teachers and students to continue the syllabus. This would also prevent students from becoming dull after sitting at home for a long period of time.
“The education slot on RTM can also be extended and this can also include private networks,” he added in a Facebook posting this morning.
Whereas, Mahdzir said the Higher Education Ministry should urge universities to conduct online lectures in order for courses to be completed according to schedule.
“The advantage of students owning smartphones coupled with the initiative by telecommunication companies offering free internet data can help realise this proposal,” he added.
Who knows, we may find the vaccine?
Research universities, the former minister said, can use this opportunity to strengthen the research and development (R&D) sector.
Mahdzir urged these universities to conduct research into the Covid-19 virus to understand its characteristics and the findings can be shared with the public for their well-being.
“The R&D group can also look for a vaccine. Who knows, the vaccine for Covid-19 could come from our laboratories?
“To realise this, the government must provide the appropriate research grants to these universities to produce impactful studies,” he added.
Mahdzir also urged the government to launch a specific initiative for SME entrepreneurs, which would allow for their businesses, including those in rural areas, to operate during the MCO.
“How long can the government afford to dish out aid in the form of cash?
“The online business platform must be expanded for their use. Or in other words, the implementation of the 5G network must be expedited,” he added.
As for life in the post-MCO period, the former minister suggested that social science experts conduct a specific study to identify the new norms to be observed.
“The public can use the findings of this study to adapt to the situation after the government lifts the MCO. It would also be crucial for the public to help rehabilitate the national economy,” he added.
The MCO was implemented on March 18 to flatten the Covid-19 infection curve. It was scheduled to end on March 31 but was extended until April 14.
As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded 4,228 Covid-19 cases and 67 deaths. A total of 24 districts nationwide have been classified as red zones for having more than 40 positive cases.
MKINI
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