KUALA LUMPUR: While an increase in Covid-19 cases is expected once more economic and social sectors reopen, complacency by the people could render the situation unmanageable.
Experts believe that despite the relatively low case numbers, Malaysians cannot let their guard down and abandon the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to break the coronavirus transmission chain.
Infectious diseases consultant Datuk Dr Christopher Lee said it was evident that more people had become complacent with regard to abiding by safety guidelines.
"The most visible of all measures is using face masks in public areas, which can be used as a general proxy indicator for SOP compliance.
"It's quite obvious that the number of people wearing face masks has dropped. We can assume there's less distancing and hand hygiene being practised as well," he told the New Straits Times.
Dr Lee, who is a member of the Selangor Task Force for Covid-19, acknowledged that in all countries, there would be an increase in cases once the economies reopen.
"If there's good SOP compliance, the surge will be smaller and easier to control. However, if there is indeed a cluster, the risk of it spreading faster is now higher as there's more people movement and interaction. The next wave can be more explosive. The surge in Hong Kong, Seoul, Leicester and Melbourne, for example, can happen here as well."
On whether the SOP should be tightened or some sectors may need to be temporarily closed, Dr Lee believed the current measures were sufficient for now.
"What we need now is more societal pressure to comply.
"Positive reinforcement should not be just by the Health Ministry, but also by others, such as political leaders, senior civil servants and community leaders, to promote compliance.
"They should be an example to the people, for instance, not just wearing face masks during photo sessions, but also embracing these measures in their daily routines. We can all assist by 'walking the talk'."
Physician and health systems specialist Dr Khor Swee Kheng echoed Dr Lee's views.
"The slight uptick in Malaysian cases and emergence of new clusters in Malaysia is cause for some concern, but it mirrors the earlier experiences of countries like South Korea, Hong Kong and Australia. After reopening their economies and societies, there are new clusters that require a re-closure of parts of their public life.
"This is why Malaysians cannot take our low numbers for granted and must comply with simple precautions like wearing face masks, practising hand hygiene and only leaving their homes if it's necessary."
Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the emergence of new cases in Malaysia was alarming and, if not properly handled, might lead to a second wave.
"New cases have been reported due to the reopening of many sectors. Previously, cases were prevented by the stringent Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation, but now, people are relaxing.
"The Health Ministry and authorities shouldn't stress too much on the numbers as it fluctuates. The community may get the impression that it's nothing to worry about as the figures are still low."
The more casual attitude by Malaysians during the Recovery MCO has not escaped the attention of some members of the public.
Toby Chan, 25, from George Town, Penang, said he recently witnessed this firsthand at a shopping mall in the city, where social distancing norms in the elevator were not observed.
"Lately on social media, we've seen videos of people challenging and berating mall security guards for making them wear face masks before entering the premises. And without the threat of penalties, I don't think the majority will adhere to the SOP."
Production buyer Aiman Jonid, 25, said stricter SOP enforcement was needed.
"It's worrying to see how relaxed people are nowadays. It's almost as if they're ignoring how dangerous the virus is or how quickly it takes for the virus to transmit from one person to another. Unless we are back to stricter SOP enforcement, the public will continue to act like this."