With record-high caseload, eradicate Covid-19 in Klang Valley first, govt told

KUALA LUMPUR – As Covid-19 cases continue to soar in Selangor, potentially crippling the state’s healthcare system, the government is being urged to refocus its vaccination programme on the Klang Valley.

The situation in the state has worsened in the past few weeks, recording a whopping 19,754 infections in the past 14 days, an average of more than 1,400 cases a day.

Together with Kuala Lumpur’s 5,662 cases in the last two weeks, the Klang Valley makes up almost half of the overall 55,423 caseload nationwide. 

Yesterday alone, a staggering 18 coronavirus deaths were reported in Selangor, out of the nation’s record-high 47 daily fatalities.

Such is the situation that the main Covid-19 hospital in Selangor – Sg Buloh Hospital – has had to bring in special shipping containers to store the bodies of the coronavirus dead.

Speaking to The Vibes, former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the focus now should be to get the majority of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur’s populace inoculated as soon as possible.

This, he said, is better than implementing a movement control order (MCO) and curfew-like conditions in the state, as proposed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

“The Health Ministry should speak to Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, and expedite the vaccination drive in the Klang Valley. This should be prioritised. 

“If the Klang Valley is fully vaccinated, the rest of the population will be largely protected.”

As of Monday, 184,990 people in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have been fully vaccinated. Nationwide, 761,263 have received two doses of the vaccine, while another 317,862 have received their first jab.

In a virtual press conference that same day, Dr Adham had said his ministry is considering imposing a full-scale MCO in Selangor.

This comes after several quarters questioned the efficiency of the nationwide MCO implemented on May 12, set to end on June 7, as cases continue to surge.

Under the current MCO, economic activities are allowed to continue, as opposed to the first lockdown last year where restrictions saw only essential sectors operating.

Either the virus dies, or more Malaysians die

Describing the pandemic as a life or death situation, public health specialist Prof Dr Rusli Nordin said implementing a full lockdown is no longer just an option, but a necessity.

The head of Taylor’s University School of Medicine said while implementing a full lockdown could greatly impact the economy, Malaysia has no choice.

He also proposed that the restrictions be imposed nationwide for 21 days, rather than focusing solely on Selangor.

“It’s either we kill the virus, or allow the virus to kill us.

“If we really lock down the country for the full three-week period, obviously, the virus cannot find a new host to infect.

“That’s the only way now; we must break the chain.

“The whole idea is that we don’t want the hosts (humans) to die, just the virus.

“I know many will be unhappy if a full lockdown is implemented.

“But life is more important at the moment, and there can be no economy if people keep on dying.”

Dr Rusli said a full-scale MCO is also pertinent, considering Malaysians’ poor compliance with the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), noting the large gatherings in public areas and heavy traffic on the road, despite the MCO.

“I would have hoped that, by looking at the numbers and watching videos of our assessment centres and hospitals at almost full capacity, Malaysians would be scared.

“But sometimes, people forget easily.

“We don’t have the same strict discipline like Japan.

“The moment we give slight leeway, people violate the SOPs.

“Most countries don’t need much enforcement.

“Unfortunately, in Malaysia, we need both restrictions and enforcement.

“The rotan (cane) must come into play, too,” he said, referring to actions such as compounds for SOP violations. – The Vibes, May 19, 2021