GEORGE TOWN – Family members of Covid-19 patients are unhappy that the low-risk quarantine centre at the Balik Pulau sports complex does not segregate locals from foreign workers.
Citing a “clash of cultures”, they are expressing their opposition to the facility.
Former Pulau Betong assemblyman Datuk Muhammed Farid Saad told The Vibes that there were objections from residents when the centre was being set up, but it had to be done.
The facility was earmarked to house low-risk foreign workers who tested positive for Covid-19.
“However, locals who are positive (for the virus) are also housed there. Now, the locals and foreigners are clashing,” said Farid.
“For some, not taking a bath and living in a cramped area is normal, but for others, it is not acceptable.
“There are only two toilet stalls and not more than 10 shower rooms to cater to more than 400 patients.
“So, some of the Malaysian patients called their families to complain, with some saying they want to run away, but of course, they cannot do that.
“I think they should separate the locals from the foreign workers at the centre.”
The Balik Pulau facility now houses nine Malaysians, as the quarantine centre at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang here is full.
A Malaysian patient in his 20s at the Balik Pulau facility has requested to be transferred, citing the high number of foreign workers there.
“The SOP is not observed. I have to bathe and pray with the foreigners.
“I have my own house where I can quarantine myself. Please get me out of here. There are currently more than 300 foreigners here.
“I don’t have to be kept in this place to be healthy. After all, I don’t even have fever or any other sickness. Just that my results showed that I am Covid-19-positive.
“When I am here, it makes me feel sick.” – The Vibes, January 4, 2021
