KUCHING: The implementation of the movement control order (MCO) is not to end Covid-19 completely but to flatten its curve, said special advisor to the prime minister on public health, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood.
Malaysia, she said, was well prepared to implement the conditional movement control order (CMCO) as the MCO had successfully flattened the curve to ensure the health system was protected and could cope with the CMCO.
According to reports by medical experts from China, Malaysia was ready after having met most of the criteria set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), added Dr Jemilah.
“Our health system can cope in the event of a sudden increase in the number of cases. We have more than enough ventilators with utilisation capacity at only 30 percent. In fact, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is starting to put frontliners on leave,” she said before stressing that the pandemic was unlikely to end within the next two years.
Dr Jemilah pointed out that if the number of infections in a certain area increased, an enhanced MCO could be implemented immediately.
She said the economic impact on the country and the mental health state of the people must be taken into consideration.
“We have to face the bitter challenges of the MCO and Covid-19. We can win this only if we pull together in the same direction. Enforcement will be important to ensure compliance — both from government but also self-enforcement from individuals, the communities and companies.
“Pandemics can be ended only when the whole society participates and is empowered. If you see something, say something. Report to the police and so on,” she added.
Dr Jemilah reminded the people they must be able to live with the ever presence of Covid-19, just as they had lived with dengue and all its preventive measures, early detection process and treatments.
“The new normal is a reality. Stay home as much as you can. Keep a safe distance and wear a mask.
“A vaccine at the earliest may be available next year. Herd immunity is questionable as data on antibodies is still showing a low conversion rate. So travel is limited,” she explained.
Dr Jemilah also pointed out that the situation in Malaysia was different from that in Hokkaido.
“Don’t compare Malaysia with Hokkaido. When Hokkaido opened up, it didn’t protect its borders. Malaysia is protecting its borders.
“This is critical and one of the requisites of WHO. We have taken steps beyond what was done in Japan as we have learnt from their experience,” she explained.
