MEDICAL experts from the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) have called for the Movement Control Order (MCO) to be extended beyond the Hari Raya period, citing the dangers of transmission from travellers over the festive season.
“The current MCO must continue beyond the current Phase 2 period ending on April 14. For public health reasons, the ban on non-essential interstate travel must continue, leading up to and beyond Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is expected to fall on May 24. Other celebrations such as Hari Gawai and the Harvest Festival will also follow soon after this period,” the academy said in a statement.
“Whilst it is understandable that many wish to travel to spend time with their loved ones during Ramadan and Aidilfitri, we need to remember that the events of this year are unprecedented. The Covid-19 pandemic has made it necessary for social distancing to be the new norm for at least a period of time until the situation is well under control,” added AMM.
The academy further calls attention to the dangers and risks of spreading the virus, particularly to the elderly, in a “balik kampung exodus,” and warns that transmission is also likely to occur at crowded rest stops along the highway as people travel over the period.
“Responsible behaviour in adhering to social distancing measures is required of everyone until a vaccine is made available. For this year at least, be it Ramadan, Aidilfitri or even Haj gatherings, there is a need for control, monitoring and possible banning of these gatherings,” said AMM.
The academy also urges the government to strengthen plans to ease the socio-economic repercussions of the pandemic, given the need to prolong the MCO.
“We are cognisant that this pandemic has and will continue to have major negative impacts on all aspects of the Malaysian economy which is why robust whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches are needed,” added AMM.
A warning was also given, that a premature withdrawal or excessive relaxation of MCO restrictions will potentially undo all the good that has been achieved from staying home these past four weeks.
“The war against Covid-19 is far from over, many sacrifices have and will continue to be made this year. Let us show the world that Malaysians can exercise restraint as a nation and bring the war to a favourable close,” AMM said. — April 9, 2020
