THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) fully agrees with Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman’s views that public sanitisation efforts by the Housing and Local Government Ministry is indeed a waste of resources. Public funds should be put to better use.
Nor Hizwan Ahmad is no expert on infectious diseases. The political secretary to Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin should have given the right advice to his boss instead of apple polishing. It is clear from his comments on the matter reported in the media two days ago, that the minister’s aide did not do his homework and hasn’t a clue on effective management of Covid-19. This is why experts like Adeeba are needed to advise the government.
Latest evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is an airborne virus, therefore large-scale disinfections of public areas are not effective in preventing the spread of the disease.
It is also pointless as these large disinfected surfaces will very quickly be contaminated again. The standard operating procedures of physical distancing, wearing face masks and sanitising hands are far more effective and evidence-based preventive measures against Covid-19.
Public sanitisations are also not among recommendations from leading health authorities.
According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention “spraying cleaning products or disinfectants in outdoor areas – such as on sidewalks, roads or groundcover – is not necessary, effective or recommended”.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also issued an alert about the hazards of public disinfections as the chemicals used, such as formaldehyde, chlorine-based agents and quaternary ammonium, are not recommended due to the adverse health effects they bring.
MMA hopes that after three movement control orders and now a second full lockdown, the government has woken up and realised it is time to start listening to the experts. It is clear, from the exponentially high numbers of infections and death rates we see today, that a number of government policies have failed to bring the Covid-19 situation in the country under control.
It is time to listen to experts like Adeeba. WHO highly appreciates her contributions. Shouldn’t her home country do the same? – The Vibes, June 6, 2021
Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy is president of the Malaysian Medical Association
