LETTER | Lead M'sia with consistent public health policies

LETTER | The Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC) has consistently supported a whole-of-government approach to managing Covid-19. 

All health and public policies must be consistent and clearly communicated to the rakyat to ensure that everyone can do their part in fighting the outbreak. These policies must be based on evidence and public health expertise.

In the coming weeks, we urge the following:

1. Expanded testing strategies

In our last statment on May 4, we emphasised expanded testing capacity to include asymptomatic carriers as well as increased contact tracing and isolation capacity. 

As Malaysia returns to work, the government must provide one clear and non-contradictory position on testing, especially for foreign workers. This clear position must be shared across the Health, Economic, Security and Human Resource agencies, and must consult the private sector and allow them reasonable time to prepare.

2. Phased restart of public life

As the economic sector has begun reopening, there will be pressure for the religious, social and educational sectors to quickly follow. However, we urge the government to reopen other sectors in phases. 

Any planned reopening of other sectors must be preceded by the introduction of strict guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are developed alongside medical and public health experts as well as all relevant stakeholders, including state and local governments, religious authorities and the private sector.

3. Prepare for Hari Raya in new normal

The rakyat must prepare to adopt new ways of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri by taking into account physical distancing and not returning to hometowns (or balik kampung). 

The same must be applied to other festivals that are also soon approaching, such as Hari Gawai and Pesta Kaamatan. We recognise that this may be a difficult reality to accept as it is meant to be a time of celebration and bringing communities closer together, but it is vital that we stay vigilant until Covid-19 is fully eradicated. 

We urge the government to develop and implement clear communications strategies that educate Malaysians about the importance of the “new normal”, while developing concrete guidelines for all Malaysians.

Covid-19 will not be eradicated until a vaccine is found and distributed throughout the population. It is imperative that the government develops a clear and consistent ultra-long-term strategy, and communicate this to the public.

MALAYSIAN HEALTH COALITION, an apolitical coalition of Malaysian health professional societies, health professionals and citizens dedicated to improving the health of Malaysians, comprises 45 member organisations and 19 individuals.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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