Review 10km movement restriction, says Malaysian Health Coalition

PETALING JAYA: The government must reconsider the 10km movement restriction that came into force under the second phase of the movement control order, says the Malaysian Health Coalition. It said there must be exemptions for those seeking special healthcare as many patients have no choice but to travel long distances to receive treatment for their medical problems. “Some people travel up to 83km to receive cancer radiotherapy and even longer distances of more than 200km in Sabah and Sarawak. “Institut Jantung Negara hosts patients from all over the country and many travel long distances for dialysis,” it said in a statement yesterday, adding that routine and necessary non Covid-19 healthcare cannot be compromised. The coalition said any disinfection carried out at public places must follow Health Ministry guidelines. It said the government aims to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus but it must at the same time ensure that the poor and needy will not suffer. “The government should introduce an interim protocol that balances public safety with effective delivery of services by nongovernmental organisations,” the coalition representing 41 societies said. Religious authorities, the Health Ministry and local authorities must decide together about holding Ramadan bazaars, and a unilateral decision should not be made. It said the government has difficult choices to make during this time of crisis but it must fully utilise the health expertise it has at hand. The coalition also welcomed Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood’s appointment as special adviser to the prime minister on public health.