“It is time for Malaysians to be responsible in curbing the Covid-19 infection... give the frontliners a chance to have a little, but most deserved, break.”
Malaysians should all work together in halting the spread of Covid-19, says Muhyiddin
PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called on Malaysians to step up and shoulder the responsibility of halting the spread of Covid-19 and give a chance to the country’s frontliners to have a brief but well-deserved break.
He said if Malaysians were to abide by the Health Ministry’s standard operating procedures (SOP), such as frequent handwashing, wearing face masks, checking their body temperature and observing social distancing, the burden of the frontliners might be lessened.
“For months now, the frontliners have stepped up to the fore and worked tirelessly.
“After this, slowly but surely, each member of the public might have to assume the responsibility to ensure the virus does not continue to spread.
“For example, if all of Putrajaya’s precincts are green zones, the onus is on the people there to keep it that way.
“That is not the Health Ministry’s responsibility or the frontliners’. It is up to residents in each precinct to take care and guard themselves so that Covid19 will not recur in their respective areas.
“It is time for Malaysians to be responsible in curbing the Covid19 infection.
“Give the frontliners a chance to have a little, but most deserved, break.”
The prime minister was speaking in a 30-minute video conference with representatives from frontliners, such as the Health Ministry, armed forces, police, Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the People’s Volunteer Corps.
Muhyiddin said local community leaders would also have to play their role to ensure that their respective communities act responsibly before the government could lift the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
“This is the approach we are taking from now on so that our frontliners can relax a little after working non-stop, to the extent of having no time to return home to cook ketupat (and prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri), let alone help their wives because they
have so many things to do.
“With the approach, which we will take in phases, I anticipate that, very soon, our frontliners will not have to carry 100 per cent of the burden and responsibilities on their shoulders.”
He also took the opportunity to convey his appreciation to the frontliners.
He said their efforts were recognised not just in Malaysia, but also beyond.
“The efforts have shown impact. This is something that we should be proud of, that Malaysia stands on top of the world where Covid-19 management is concerned.
“To me, this is recognition and credit to everyone involved and those who have worked tirelessly all this while.”
Muhyiddin said Malaysia’s healthcare management system had been acknowledged as among the world’s best.
This acknowledgement, he said, was one he was proud of and a testament to the country’s abilities.
He also addressed the need for the country’s maritime borders to be secure to prevent an influx of illegal immigrants.
He said there was a possibility that those who had returned to their countries of origin would try to re-enter Malaysia.
“If we do not monitor our borders carefully, many will try to sneak back into the country. If our borders aren’t tightened, it will be a problem for us later.”
On maritime security, MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the agency, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy and police, had intensified its operation, Op Benteng, with emphasis on monitoring the movement of refugees from Myanmar.
On national border security, Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang expressed confidence that it was under control, thanks to regular monitoring by the police, the MMEA and the Immigration Department.
“All these agencies are working closely with the armed forces and have placed their men in all operational areas nationwide.
“I’m confident that any border encroachment involving illegal immigrants who may have been infected with Covid-19 will be tackled effectively.”
In another development, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Mazlan Mansor told the press conference that the police had entered a new phase of enforcement following the implementation of the CMCO.
“We are aware that Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just around the corner and there is an increase in the number of motorists wanting to return to their hometowns.
“Various excuses and tricks are being used to get through police roadblocks.”
However, police will continue imposing a compound fine on any individual found to have violated the interstate travel ban in conjunction with Aidilfitri this weekend.