Set good example in following Covid SOP, politicians urged

PETALING JAYA: Political leaders should be showing a good example by putting the health of the people first, the Malaysian Medical Association said yesterday.

In expressing concern over the continuing rise in positive Covid-19 cases in Sabah, its president Dr N. Ganabaskaran said standard operating procedures (SOP) are being flouted by politicians and their followers as seen in news coverage on national TV.

“Political leaders and their followers can be seen close to one another and some aren’t wearing face masks,” he said.

“If such disregard for the SOP continues, cases will rise further and spread across the state and before we know it, the authorities may be left with no option but to impose a statewide lockdown.”

Ganabaskaran said a new cluster in Tongod, Sandakan, was detected on Tuesday, bringing the total number to six in the state.

“We must also ensure the hospitals there are not overwhelmed (with Covid-19 cases). The situation may be under control now but can easily turn into a nightmare for healthcare workers there if the number of cases rises exponentially,” he said.

“We urge the authorities to be stricter in enforcing the SOP and ensure that all, including political leaders, fully comply.

“We are also concerned about Sabahans travelling back to their hometowns from other states to cast their votes.

“MMA believes a quarantine may be necessary when they arrive back as a precautionary measure as there is risk of people letting their guard down when they are back in their hometowns.”

He also urged the Election Commission to work closely with the police and Rela to ensure proper crowd control and that everyone fully adheres to the SOP.