[PHOTOS] Fear, frustration in Klang as people flood Covid-19 assessment centres

KLANG – The increase in daily Covid-19 cases in Selangor has caused droves of patients to flood Covid-19 assessment centres (CACs), especially the one in Klang.

While the CACs serve to help assess those infected on quarantine procedures and treatments, a few centres set up in residential areas have invoked fear among those living there.

One of them is Klang Sports Hall in Taman Sri Andalas.

A survey by The Vibes shutterbug SAIRIEN NAFIS at the housing area found a long “Covid-19 queue” snaking around the neighbourhood leading up to the CAC.

Infected individuals were seen parking their vehicles outside houses before joining the long queue that stretched up to 1km.

Patients from all walks of life were seen waiting for their turns to be assessed, with some perched on cars and sitting on the curb of the road, visibly tired as they waited under the scorching sun since 9am this morning. 

The Vibes also spotted a few visitors experiencing difficulties in breathing and fainting at the location.

A mosque situated approximately 300m away from the hall has also been asked to close immediately following the setting-up of the CAC. 

Checks on social media platforms by The Vibes revealed that residents in the area are fearful that they too will be infected by those queuing up daily in front of their houses.

“Most of the residents here are elderly and can no longer take a breath of fresh air on the porch. That is their only source of entertainment during EMCO and they can’t even do that now.

“They are now cooped up at home because they are worried about their health.

“The government should also think of the mental health of residents here,” Mierz Qmanz wrote in a post on the Taman Sri Andalas Facebook group page.

According to a report by TV3 today, the Klang district health office has agreed to move the Klang Sports Hall CAC to another location.

The office admitted its mistake in not having discussions with Sg Kandis assemblyman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni and the residents before proposing to open the CAC.

The office has since requested for a grace period to find another suitable location.

Today, Malaysia recorded its highest ever number of new daily Covid-19 cases at 11,079, breaching the five-figure mark for the first time.

Selangor logged the highest number of cases again, at 5,263. – The Vibes, July 13, 2021