KUALA LUMPUR – The government will not discount the possibility of reintroducing stricter measures, including the banning of interstate and inter-district travels, if Malaysians continue to flout Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said another factor that will be considered is if case numbers continue to trend upwards.
“We are giving the people a bit of freedom now, and with this, it is hoped that they will be responsible enough to adhere to the SOPs.
“If they fail to do this, and if the Health Ministry believes there is a need for stricter SOPs, we won’t discount it,” he told a press conference that was telecast live today.
Ismail cited a recent incident at a zoo in Melaka – where visitors ignored social distancing, face mask requirements, and brought along small children – as a clear example of the people’s abuse of freedom and trust from the government.
He was asked to comment on whether the government intends to re-evaluate its new SOPs, considering the high number of daily infections and with the public seemingly undeterred by the presence of Covid-19 in the community.
According to Ismail, since interstate travels are now allowed once more, the Health Ministry has been assessing the situation fortnightly to detect potential spikes in cases.
“If they find that cases have increased exponentially as a result of reopening state and district borders, then we may reintroduce the original SOPs.”
Ismail said it is not uncommon for the government to enforce again certain restrictions that have been lifted, which will be done based on the current need and situation.
“For example, we once allowed returnees from abroad to undergo the quarantine period at home. However, we were forced to ask them to quarantine at our centres as many were flouting SOPs,” he said. – The Vibes, December 28, 2020
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