IPOH: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has called on Malaysians to stop blaming politicians for the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in the country.
"I hope the people do not panic. I have seen on social media (netizens) venting their frustrations over politicians (whom they blame for the spike). Actually, this virus knows no one, whether you are the President of America or an ordinary person. It has no choice.
"It can go to anybody. (Netizens should) not solely blame this group or that group. What is more important now is we need to follow the SOPs (standard operating procedures)."
Faizal, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president, said this at a press conference after launching a state-level Integrity Seminar at Hotel Casuarina @ Meru here, today.
Faizal returned to work today after undergoing a 14-day mandatory quarantine at his home in Kuala Lumpur. A Covid-19 test he took upon his return from Sabah on Sept 20 showed that he was negative for the virus.
He added that should the people adhere to the SOPs by observing physical distancing and washing their hands, this virus could be contained.
Asked whether there will be an enhanced SOP to fight the pandemic in Perak, Faizal said the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is still ongoing nationwide and the state government will always monitor the Covid-19 situation in Perak.
The number of new Covid-19 cases rose sharply yesterday with 432 new infections – a daily tally record since the pandemic was first detected in the country.
On Sunday, the Health Ministry recorded 293 cases, and 317 cases the day before that.