By Mei Kuan
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in a special address from his residence which went live on October 6, spoke on the COVID-19 situation update.
He expressed his concern over the current spike of daily new cases hitting three figures, citing that the bulk of the new cases were detected in Sabah and Kedah.
According to him, efforts to trace close contacts is now easier than before as 17 million Malaysians have been making use of the MySejahtera application as the new normal.
“We are now better prepared than before in terms of experience and manpower. We know the behaviour of the virus better and we have enough facilities and equipment. However, we need to break the transmission of the virus and the best way is to stay at home especially in areas where Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order is enforced. We must flatten the curve. We did it before and I firmly believe we can do it again,” he explained.
Regarding the issue of quarantine, he stressed that there is no double standard in terms of adherence, “I am at this time on home quarantine after chairing a meeting attended by one minister who tested positive for COVID-19. This is the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the Ministry of Health.”
“The virus can infect anyone regardless of rank or title, thus everyone must abide by the SOP. We must never be complacent. Don’t easily panic or jump to conclusions. Avoid spreading fake news which sow confusion,” he reminded.
“To date, we are not considering another total lockdown as it could destroy the nation’s economy and social system. Instead, we would implement Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order at areas identified with a high number of COVID-19 cases. Thus, the economic and social activities at unaffected areas can resume with strict adherence to the SOP and law enforcement,” Muhyiddin said, adding that the current economic recovery is going well.
The government is at present looking at proposals to limit public gatherings and ceremonies as well as additional SOPs to reduce the risk of infection with input from the Ministry of Health. This includes huge conferences and wedding receptions.
Beginning yesterday (October 7), the National Security Council special meeting on the pandemic which is chaired by Muhyiddin is held daily via video conference.
Let us flatten the curve again!
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