KOTA BARU – It is time for Kelantan to set up a Covid-19 task force to address the spiralling cases in the state, said Kelantan Angkatan Wanita Amanah (Awan) head Dr Hafidzah Mustakim.
Speaking to The Vibes, Dr Hafidzah said this would not be difficult to do given the ability of political parties in the past to mobilise manpower at polling stations during elections.
“Based on the data, we have one of the lowest number of vaccine registrants.
“But, to generalise that the Kelantanese are not informed about the virus or vaccination is unfair.
“For Kelantan, there needs to be a different approach as we have those who are more susceptible to fear-mongering occurring in WhatsApp groups.
“I think there needs to be a tailored approach for the state instead of just applying what the federal government implements.
“It is time the state government made a move,” she said.
As national Awan health bureau chairman, Dr Hafidzah also said the urgency to battle the pandemic calls for everyone to set aside their political sentiments.
“By engaging political machinery, they may even improve their political standing.
“Recently, a patient of mine who lives alone and is not very IT-savvy came in. Her niece had registered her for her vaccination, but she was not aware that her turn had come, and by the time she realised, she had missed her appointment date.
“In the case of the 10,000 who missed their vaccination appointments, there must be a comprehensive way to deal with the issue.
“Kelantanese living outside the state are also very concerned and sad about what is happening here.
“Several mufti have suggested an outreach programme.”
Religious concerns over vaccination
Dr Hafidzah said a huge part of vaccine hesitancy among Kelantanese is due to religious reasons.
Though the state Islamic Religious Council had issued a statement about the vaccine, it can be enhanced by having religious leaders distribute recorded voice messages or even short video clips to encourage people to register for vaccination, she said.
“Look at who the most influential people in Kelantan are; they are the local leaders – the tok penghulu, district councils, imam and ustaz. The MPs should engage with these people.
“The Health Ministry is doing its part, the police are also doing their part.
“It is time the state government do the same by having a task force such as the one in Selangor,” she said, adding that having a task force will enable decisions like state-purchased vaccines to be mooted.
Though the state government is currently doing its best, she said, she hopes it will also listen to the people who are proposing ideas on how to contain the virus.
“I have spoken to several media (outlets) and even posted my suggestions on social media, so let’s see what its (Kelantan government) reaction is.”
Other than vaccinations, Dr Hafidzah also suggests mass screening and isolation to be done immediately.
“We are giving it all the ideas, and it is time the state government shows if it is empathetic to the situation and if it can lead the state well,” she said.
Based on the increasing number of cases in Kelantan, it is speculated that the number of Covid-19 cases could reach 1,000 per day from next month.
Kelantan Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Dr Izani Husin said besides the infection rate, failure to comply with standard operating procedures during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration is also the reason for the surge in Covid-19 cases in the state over the past few days. – The Vibes, June 9, 2021
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