GEORGE TOWN – Malaysians at the Balik Pulau low-risk Covid-19 treatment centre are deeply unhappy over its dirty conditions.
Videos recorded by several local patients in the facility have been widely shared on social media, and shows that the facility only has two bathrooms and one shower to accommodate 200 people.
A four-minute-long video also showed patients saying that beds are only placed 50cm apart, with no instructions given on what to do after checking into the facility.
Water dispensers are also said to be insufficient, with some out of order.
A patient also claimed the facility has run out of medicine, even paracetamol tablets.
Some say they have called the centre’s operator to air their grievances but action has yet to be taken.
Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik told The Vibes that he is puzzled that the Balik Pulau Sports Centre was chosen as a low-risk centre.
“It is understood that there are 432 positive Covid-19 patients there. It is sadder when we are informed about the lack of clean water supply, as well as the lack of food supply.
“Patients also must wait more than one hour if they want to use the toilet because the number of toilets is not enough to accommodate more than 400 people.
The current situation is exacerbated when many toilets are clogged, which causes the condition of dirty toilets to be overflowing with water and faeces.
“I also call on the authorities to take immediate action to resolve the issue for the well-being of all. My Balik Pulau service centre is ready to work together in resolving this issue.
“I would also like to thank the frontliners and all those involved in caring for Covid-19 patients at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex,” he later said in a statement.
As for meeting patients' general needs, packed food is distributed three times a day.
However, some local patients have complained that there is not enough food as migrant workers there allegedly take more than is allocated.
Those who are supposed to monitor the situation can only observe from afar as there are too many people at the centre.
Patients also noted that there is no one to care for those inside the facility.
It is said the police, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) and other authorities only make their rounds outside the premises.
Many migrant workers were also seen smoking in the facility as well.
There are currently two hot and cold water dispensers that have just been repaired although the water pressure is consistently low.
The facility, which began operations on December 22, is supposed to house migrant workers who test positive for Covid-19.
According to the Health Ministry, patients are supposed to be managed round the clock by assistant medical officers and medical officers.
They will also be reviewed by an internal medicine physician in consultation with infectious disease consultants. – The Vibes, January 5, 2021
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