[UPDATED] Covid-19 surge due to mass testing in EMCO areas, already anticipated: DPM

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged all parties, especially political leaders, to stop politicking and instead focus on helping those who have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

With infection numbers still high, all quarters must unite to contain the health crisis, the deputy prime minister told reporters after visiting the Kerinchi People’s Housing Project (PPR), which is under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO), here today.

“Let’s not play politics in the current situation. The people are in dire need of help, not only from the government, but also from political parties. We need to help the people.

“Right now, our focus must be on aiding those facing difficulties and executing strategies to combat Covid-19, which must be supported by all.”

Present at the flats was Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun.

Since January, said Ismail Sabri, more than 500,000 food baskets worth over RM50 million have been distributed via the Social Welfare Department to people hit hard by the pandemic.

Under the Kasih Prihatin programme, the government has allocated RM100 million – involving a contribution of RM100 per person for about 300,000 people – that will be distributed from this month to September, he said.

“Although this is cashless assistance, the recipients can go to selected stores, comprising more than 300 retail partners, and show their MyKad to get items worth RM100.

“This is in addition to the food basket aid.”

He urged all those in need to contact the Welfare Department’s district operations rooms, which are open around the clock, or MP service centres.

“They can also refer to state zakat centres for assistance. Many mosques and surau also provide Gerobok Rezeki (food bank initiative). If there is a problem, contact the relevant parties. We don’t want anyone not having food and so on.”

He said the government will discuss with civil society groups rendering aid to the people on facilitating their movements, especially in EMCO areas.

Ismail Sabri said the spike in Covid-19 cases of late is due to large-scale screening, especially in localities under the EMCO.

He said the government had projected this surge when announcing that the order – in place till Wednesday – would be imposed on 36 subdistricts in Selangor and 16 localities in Kuala Lumpur.

“When the government enforces the EMCO, we conduct Covid-19 screening on a large scale, and of course, there will be an increase in cases detected.

“For example, at the Kerinchi PPR here that is under the EMCO, (large-scale) screening was done today,” he said, adding that 200 residents have tested positive so far.

“So, this is what caused the number of cases to increase. It will eventually go down.”

He said the Health Ministry is conducting testing daily in EMCO areas.

“For residents in EMCO areas in Selangor, many private clinics are also offering screening on a walk-in basis.”

With the expected rise in infections, he said, the next step is to provide more beds and other health facilities to accommodate patients.

In a Facebook post, Ismail Sabri said Putrajaya will not compromise with factories and business premises that violate coronavirus standard operating procedures, with stern action to be taken against those found flouting the rules.

“We will wage an all-out ‘war’ against Covid-19, and act against factories and business premises that remain stubborn.”

Yesterday, he said 108 plants and businesses have been shut for failing to comply with the SOPs. – Bernama, July 11, 2021