Experts: Do not extend CMCO

KUALA LUMPUR: Experts believe that there is no need to extend the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

They said the authorities should instead focus on targeted measures such as eradicating workplace-related Covid-19 clusters and those in high-risk areas.

They also believe that fatigue from the standard operating procedures (SOP) in place may result in more harm in the long run.

Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said an extension of the CMCO was not necessary based on the distribution of cases and clusters. This assessment, he said, was also based on the experiences gained through the various phases of the MCO.

“The authorities need to focus on workplace-related clusters and high-risk places such as factories and workers’ quarters, especially those involving foreign workers. Targeted MCOs should be enforced in these areas and in Covid-19 hotspots.”

Dr Zainal said the authorities must open up state borders in phases until the end of the year.

“For example, an MCO could be enforced only in the Klang Valley and not in areas that are already green zones. They can enact a ban on cross-border travel from red zones in the Klang Valley, as well as boost monitoring and testing in Targeted EMCO areas.

“Federal agencies, such as the Health Ministry and the National Security Council, can work with the state authorities in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.”

He said it was time the public “learn to live with Covid-19” and the authorities switched their focus to this instead.

Epidemiology and biostatistics expert Dr Malina Osman said there should be a balance between disease prevention and economic needs.

She said the key was in compliance with Covid-19 SOP.

“It’s very likely that the CMCO in the Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan will be extended to at least another month.

“Over the last five days, Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan patterns showed a slight decline, but the active numbers are still at four digits,” said the Universiti Putra Malaysia associate professor.

Dr Malina said public support was imperative and could be gained only via exemplary behaviour by respected figures or local leaders. This, she said, should be followed by continuous reminders on Covid-19 and preventive measures from the authorities.

Members of the public, meanwhile, say they are concerned about the effects of SOP fatigue if the CMCO were to be extended.

Qistina Sallehudin, 23, a final-year university student, said the extension would affect her work placement next year.

“I’m worried it will delay my internship and, in turn, my graduation. Times are difficult and some companies may not take in interns, while others are working remotely.

“There have been cases where students had to delay their internship with some doing it online. This makes us (students) anxious whether we can graduate on time.”

Part-time baker Iman Nadira, 27, said the authorities could study ways to enable people to live normally during the pandemic instead of relying on another CMCO.

“My in-laws, who are in the medical field, are comfortable going out for grocery runs because they comply with the SOP.

“Conversely, my parents are hesitant due to the fear of other people ignoring the SOP. I believe many people are in the same boat as my parents.

“If the awareness about SOP is heightened, I think people will be inclined to follow the rules and look out for each other.”

Source: NST