KUALA LUMPUR: The lackadaisical attitude shown by Malaysians towards standard operating procedures (SOP) in public places to combat the spread of Covid-19 is raising concerns.
The chairman of Alliance for Safe Community Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye urged Malaysians to double their efforts and determination in curbing the coronavirus.
This, the social activist said, they could do only by adhering strictly to the existing SOPs, just as they did at the height of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"Malaysia has a record of flattening the Covid-19 curve, we even won accolades from overseas for being proactive and consistent in our efforts to eradicate the coronavirus, he said.
"But are we now in danger of losing that enviable record?
"Is the invisible enemy striking back?" he asked.
Lee said many, including Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, had raised concerns over the detection of new Covid-19 clusters and new cases of infection, which has seen the number of cases increase by
double digits for several days now.
"The trend seems to be increasing. That's worrying, to say the least," he said in a statement today,
Lee said Malaysians were seen to have forgotten or ignored the instructions to wear face masks whenever they were in public.
He said the laid-back attitude taken by Malaysians has even seen with face masks around their necks, not over their faces.
He said that threat of the disease returning was real, as could be seen in several countries where the scourge has been returning with a vengeance.
"We should not let this happen to our beloved nation," Lee said, adding that all the SOPs have been placed for a good reason and there should be no compromise in following the guidelines.
Lee stressed on the need for Malaysians to adhere to the Covid-19 SOPs.
"They must be followed. Otherwise, the MCO will be re-imposed, as the Prime Minister has warned.
"Think, Malaysians. We cannot afford that to happen. If Covid-19 makes a comeback, the effects this time will be more severe than the first," Lee said.
Lee urged Malaysians to listen to the voices of reason.
"Have greater respect for yourselves and others. You owe this to others, and yourselves," he said.