We act on evidence, not emotions, in handling Covid-19, says Dzulkefly

 

The government is encouraging people, especially those with comorbidities, to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

KLANG: Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says his ministry will not yield to demands for more stringent actions in dealing with the recent increase in Covid-19 cases as measures taken must be evidence-based.

“Some were angry at me, saying that the minister’s (press conference on Covid-19 last week) was really anti-climactic. Why can’t the use of face masks be made mandatory and enforced? It’s disappointing, they say.

“I will not be driven by emotions. My actions are subject to evidence and based on assessment of early case detections made via the heightened alert system (HAS).

“That is our (the government’s) approach and that is how we will continue,” he said in his winding-up speech at Amanah’s national convention here today.

Dzulkefly said the public should not panic due to reports of sudden increases in new Covid-19 cases. Instead, they should continue to adhere to SOPs to avoid getting infected.

“We are no longer in a ‘war against Covid-19’. We are transitioning from the pandemic phase to an endemic one. Therefore, our actions must be calculated.

“Our approach is systematic, not solely fixated on numbers,” he said, adding that he predicted the number of Covid-19 cases will decline in January.

Last week, Dzulkefly told a press conference that there was no need for movement restrictions for now, despite Covid-19 cases jumping by 62.2% to 20,696 between Dec 10 and Dec 16.

He said the ministry was prepared for a potential surge in hospitalisations and ensuring adequate staff, supplies and equipment to provide sufficient care in the event of an influx of patients.

He also advised the public to undergo testing if they experienced symptoms and to consult doctors for antiviral treatment if eligible. The public was also recommended to wear masks in crowded places and practise good hygiene.

‘Don’t spook people or create unnecessary concern’

Tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing, however, lamented that Dzulkefly’s announcement had caused public alarm and affected Malaysia’s tourism and economy.

He said Covid-19 is undeniably an important public health issue that should not be swept under the carpet. “However, we should not act excessively to the extent that it worsens the situation.

“It is important for us to avoid causing fear and creating a negative perception of Malaysia, especially when it affects our tourism industry, which in turn will also cause losses to our economy.

“It would be good if we do not create unnecessary panic, like reporting the number of new Covid-19 cases on a daily basis because this will indirectly cause unnecessary fear,” Tiong said in a Facebook post. - FMT