KUALA LUMPUR – Just three days before the implementation of the full lockdown to curb Covid-19, heavy traffic is being reported along several major highways in the Klang Valley, some headed out to other parts of the peninsula.
This has caught the attention of Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, who appeared ostensibly perplexed by Malaysians’ apparent disregard for the ongoing pandemic.
“Where are you all headed to this weekend?” he posted on Facebook today, accompanied by a couple of photos showing congestions on the highways.
“Massive movements continue to happen although interstate and inter-district travel have been banned.
Bringing the virus from one area to another will not assist the country in our effort to curb the spread of Covid-19
In the post, Dr Noor Hisham uploaded a screenshot taken of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near the Sungai Besi toll plaza with vehicles heading south, and of the KL-Karak Highway near the Gombak Toll heading towards Genting and Pahang.
Police roadblocks could also be spotted in the two photos.
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) had earlier posted on Facebook confirming heavy traffic in these two locations, as well as several other areas.
Photos of long queues and crowds at hypermarkets and stores are also being shared online.
Many Malaysians are believed to be using the weekend to purchase rations and groceries before the lockdown starts on Tuesday.
Just one hour after Noor Hisham uploaded the post, it garnered over 5,000 shares and 2,000 comments slamming the actions of irresponsible individuals. Netizens urged the authorities to take stern action against those infringing on travel regulations.
Dr Noor Hisham pleaded to the public to remain at home unless there is an urgent matter to attend to, urging them to help save the country’s public health system which is on the brink of collapsing.
“If we collapse, you and your family may not be able to get the best medical treatment. More unfortunate, there may not be any more beds in hospitals. Even worse if you are in critical condition but no intensive care unit beds are available.
“Our frontline workers are already exhausted, but we continue to brace for the sake of saving your lives,” he said.
The government had previously announced a nationwide movement control order (MCO) beginning May 12 to June 7, prohibiting any unapproved travelling across state and district borders.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that a two-week nationwide lockdown will be imposed beginning June 1, as Covid-19 infections continue to soar despite existing restrictions. – The Vibes, May 29, 2021
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