By Dhiya Damia Zuhairul
GOMBAK, 13 February 2022: COVID-19 cases in Malaysia have been climbing up the stairs radically again since the recent Chinese New Year celebration. As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded 20,939 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the total infections past three million.
Many COVID-19 guidelines have been loosened up, hence the yearly festival celebration is not to be blamed totally. However, Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob clarified to Malaysians that there should be no emergency control order any more since COVID-19 is just like other infectious diseases by now.
“The Health Ministry and I myself have stated that we have to learn to live with COVID-19 as an endemic just like other diseases, including flu and dengue, and we must carry on with our daily lives while controlling it by complying with the standard operating procedures (SOP),” he said.
Plus, vaccination rate was seen as a success and Malaysians have been encouraged to get their shot of vaccine booster. In fact, the states that have a high vaccination rate such as Johor, have been given loose restrictions on the COVID-19 guidelines.
Specifically, Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, said: “MOH has finalised (Johor poll SOPs). The SOP is still tight, but there are more things that MOH allows (now). “We cannot elaborate, wait for an announcement by the Election Commission (EC) later”, indicating that other states should follow the lead in order to recover the normal lifestyle even though COVID-19 still exists.
Khairy noted that Sarawak recorded the highest number at 76.8 per cent, followed by Malacca (71.9 per cent), Klang Valley (66.9 per cent), Negeri Sembilan (62.4 per cent), Penang (61.5 per cent), Labuan (57.1 per cent).
On another note, the government had learnt the mistakes due to months of emergency and strict lockdown before this, given that it triggered public anger more than reenacting the purpose of curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Malaysians are advised to take care of themselves by being constantly aware of the active COVID-19 areas and do self quarantine at home if mild symptoms appear.***
Sources: Malay Mail, MySejahtera