KUALA LUMPUR: With the emergence of new Covid-19 clusters in the country, the government has once again reminded Malaysians to remain vigilant in containing the infection rate.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said everyone must play a role as a 'frontliner' to prevent infections by abiding with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quarantine measures in place.
Speaking in a special televised address tonight, he noted that the latest data by researchers around the world show that the virus is still spreading actively and will continue for some time.
"This takes into account preventive factors as well as the fact that effective management of infection would require the availability of specific treatments and safe vaccines.
"Given this situation, anyone right now could be exposed to the risk of Covid-19 infection," he said.
The prime minister said cases in Malaysia have yet to reach zero, which is a clear indication that the chain of infection has yet to be broken. He urged Malaysians to continue to remain vigilant, practise self-discipline and abide by the rules to curb infection.
He said while Malaysia has managed to tackle the infection well, he remains concerned over the recent surge in cases.
"Over the last 14 days, 615 new cases were detected. This also saw three districts record 41 cases or more throughout the same period," he said, referring to Kota Star in Kedah, as well as Tawau and Lahad Datu in Sabah.
He said the government would not hesitate to enforce the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in areas with a high number of Covid-19 cases as part of efforts to contain infections.
As of Tuesday, a total of 9,969 cases were detected in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, a total of 1,017 foreign visitors who arrived in Malaysia tested positive for Covid-19 between Apr 3 and Sept 15, he said.
He said a total of 1,395,578 people have been screened for Covid-19, with a ratio of 41.8 people for 1,000 members of the population.
He said a total of 108 clusters have been reported to the Health Ministry Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC), with 11 clusters remaining active.
Muhyiddin also raised concerns over the Sabah elections, where over one million voters are expected to exercise their voting rights.
"Avoid shaking hands with voters. I think the voters would understand if the candidates do not shake hands. Protect each other from being infected with Covid-19. Kita jaga kita bah," he said, urging everyone to remain strong, resilient and disciplined, while embracing the new norm as a culture.
He reminded all Malaysians that if the situation worsens, the government would have to resort to re-enforcing the MCO, which could have an adverse impact on people's livelihood and the country's economy.
He advised the public to wash their hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitiser as well as to wear face masks in public places.
"Do not feel weird or awkward wearing it (face mask). We all play a role as frontliners.
"Please seek medical attention if you suffer symptoms like fever and cough.
"Without an effective vaccine to treat Covid-19, the new norm is a critical step to prevent infections. Malaysia is still at war against Covid-19."
Muhyiddin said public discipline and SOP compliance are crucial in breaking the chain of Covid-19 infections.
He said the government is looking at not only flattening the curve, but also long-term containment of the virus.
He said the government is in no rush to reopen the country's borders, with the exception of businesses, including investment and education, with stringent SOPs.
"In fact, the borders will continue to be tightened to prevent an influx of illegal immigrants."
Malaysia, said Muhyiddin, has managed to keep the situation under control thus far, compared to several other countries which are now facing a new wave of Covid-19 infections.
He said while border control has created an inconvenience for the public, it is a necessary measure in order to protect the people.
"We need to strike a fine balance between protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Malaysians," he said.
Muhyiddin had last month announced the extension of the RMCO, which commenced on June 10 and ends on Dec 31.
The MCO, which began on March 18, was enforced by the government as part of measures to break the chain of the deadly virus; while the RMCO saw the reopening of various sectors.
The Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) and Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin) were also launched to ease the economic burden of people and businesses due to the pandemic.
Despite easing up restrictions, including the lifting of an interstate travel ban under RMCO, SOPs were put in place to ensure public compliance in containing Covid-19.