THE Malaysian Medical Association urges the Health Ministry to take all necessary measures to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country; including Covid-19 testing of travellers from China when Malaysia opens its borders to the country on January 8.
Even if the dominant Covid-19 variants in China have already been detected in Malaysia, all precautions should be taken to prevent a surge.
For now, as China is experiencing a rise in cases, apart from current preventive measures, the Malaysian government should make it a requirement that only fully vaccinated travellers from China with a negative RT-PCR test result be allowed entry into Malaysia – and upon arrival at the entry point or within 24 hours, undergo professional RTK Antigen screening for Covid-19. The same should also be done for travellers from other countries experiencing a significant rise in cases.
Although precautionary measures are being taken by the ministry to prepare for the possibility of a surge, we feel more needs to be done to prevent imported cases of Covid-19. We are concerned that with manpower shortages at our public healthcare facilities, the healthcare system can still be overwhelmed if cases requiring hospitalisation and intensive care unit admission start to surge. Perhaps, as an additional precaution, the government can look at a gradual opening to visitors from China and relax restrictions when the Covid-19 situation there improves significantly.
We acknowledge that Malaysia will definitely stand to benefit economically from tourism with the high numbers of travellers expected from China, but it must be ensured that public health and safety remain our highest priority.
Don’t fear, take precautions
We take note of public concern over the move to allow travellers from China into the country at this time and wish to remind the public that Covid-19 has been in the country for three years – and we have much better control over it now.
What is important is that we take all available preventive measures against Covid-19 – that is to go for your booster shot when it is due and wear face masks when in crowded enclosed spaces.
Also, adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle as it strengthens your defence against infectious diseases. – The Vibes, January 4, 2023
Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai is president of the Malaysian Medical Association, the main representative body for registered medical practitioners in the country
