KUALA LUMPUR: Medical experts feared that the 'Keluar dan #Lawan' rally would further increase the number of Covid-19 cases, to a level worse than at present.
Occupational health, emergency and general health specialist Dr Hanafiah Bashirun said it was not the right time to gather, as the country is facing a dire situation in controlling the pandemic, especially with the new Covid-19 Delta variant that could spread within 15 seconds.
"For the time being, the public does not need to gather to express their rights to freedom of expression. Instead, they could do so through online conferencing, social media platforms and online petitions.
"However, today we can see numerous individuals have joined the gathering.
"The best initiative after the rally ends is for them to buy Covid-10 self-test saliva kits at the nearest pharmacy. They should get themselves tested.
"They'll get their results in 15 minutes, and it is the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get themselves tested.
"If participants don't do the test, they should undergo home quarantine for seven days for the safety of their families, friends and the local community.
"These steps are crucial because the rally participants must comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by the National Security Council (NSC) before going out to meet with others," Dr Hanafiah told Berita Harian today.
It was reported earlier that the police were in the process of identifying the rally's organisers and participants before they proceed with action.
Dang Wang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah was quoted as saying that the initial investigation found that the rally was attended by about 400 individuals, who were mostly young people.
Earlier, a group of individuals wearing black attire were seen gathering near the Masjid Jamek Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station here, since 10am this morning.
The group, which was believed to be participating in the 'Keluar dan #Lawan' rally, were seen carrying black flags with most of them wearing white and red safety helmets.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Muslim Medical and Health Practitioners Association (i-Medik) vice president, Associate Professor Dr Rafidah Hanim Mokhtar described today's rally as inappropriate as it could increase the risk of Covid-19 infection.
He said those involved in the rally should be working together to reduce the number of Covid-19 numbers, instead of the other way around.
"When there is a gathering, there must be police personnel deployed to monitor the current situation and they will also be exposed to the risk of infection.
"There is no need to gather at this time. If you want to voice your opinion, there are many other channels such as social media to do so," she said when contacted.