GEORGE TOWN – The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and Penang Private Medical Practitioners’ Society (PPMPS) have called on health authorities to step up Covid-19 screening for all high-risk groups.
These include undocumented foreign workers, prisoners and immigration detainees, as well as frontliners.
MMA president Datuk Prof Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said the medical fraternity has been pushing for early testing since the pandemic began.
“Enforcement at sensitive sites, from border crossings to construction sites, factories and dormitories, as well as foreigners’ living areas, needs to be stepped up if the authorities want to quickly contain the spread.
“As early as May, foreign workers were identified as a priority group for testing, but there has been a lack of urgency and consistency in testing this vulnerable group.
“More importantly, their living conditions must be improved, or they will still be at risk of fresh infections after being tested.”
He said 1.4 million foreign workers, or 91.1%, are provided with accommodation that does not comply with provisions under the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990.
“The government should work closely with the 7,000 general practitioners nationwide, as they are spread out all over the country and can play a special role in testing communities.”
PPMPS president Dr Parmjit Singh said testing, contact tracing and compliance with health and safety standard operating procedures are the best way to prevent infection before mass vaccination is an option.
It is imperative that all high-risk groups undergo screening, observe physical distancing, wear masks and ensure good personal hygiene, he said.
“Excuses should no longer be tolerated. We are living in a pandemic.
“We must ensure the consistent and thorough enforcement of the SOPs.”
Meanwhile, the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) has taken additional precautionary measures after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus yesterday.
Contact tracing revealed that the staffer was present at the MBSP headquarters in Bandar Baru Perda on November 25, and the landscaping department in Kg Jawa.
These places were temporarily closed for sanitisation, said MBSP president Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
“As a precaution, the management has identified all close contacts, and we have ordered them to work from home.”
He said the patient is not a “super spreader”, adding that MBSP counters are open as usual.
“However, we advise the public to conduct their transactions online. There are about 100 online services available via the MBSP Cyber Counter at www.mbsp.gov.my.”
The services will be expanded to include payments for fines and the submission of applications for building plans and licence renewals. – The Vibes, December 4, 2020
