Random risk status checks regressive, says MMA

 

MMA said Malaysia should be moving away from restrictive policies that may have been necessary in the early stages before the population was vaccinated and hospitalisations were high. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The plan by the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry to carry out random checks on Covid-19 risk status of workers and customers at business premises is regressive and will invite resentment from the public, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said the authority to enforce the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) lies with the health ministry and not other authorities.

“We really should be gradually moving away from restrictive policies.

“We see no need for such heavy enforcement at this stage as we are in the midst of transitioning into a state of normalcy.

“This was necessary in the early stages before the population was vaccinated and hospitalisations were high.

“We have improved significantly now in the management of the pandemic,” he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said his enforcement officers would carry out random checks on workers and customers at business premises for their Covid-19 status in a move to stop the spread of the pandemic.

Koh said businesses were well aware of the effect Covid-19 can potentially have on their operations and therefore the authorities should trust owners and the people to take all necessary precautions.

“After two years of the pandemic, the people should by now know what they should be doing to protect themselves, their families and their income.

“At this current point in time, both monitoring and enforcement activities related to Act 342 should be left in the hands of the health ministry alone,” he said. - FMT