KUALA LUMPUR: The surge in new Covid-19 infections reflects the lack of civic consciousness among the people, a social activist lamented today.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said complacency among people as the country transitions to the endemic phase is a "recipe for disaster".
"Many people are of the view that since the endemic phase of the virus infection is not as serious as the pandemic phase, they can afford to relax on the basic standard operating procedures (SOP) like wearing face masks and sanitising their hands.
"Some people are throwing caution to the wind and gathering in groups with gay abandon. This situation is indeed a recipe for disaster.
"Over the last three years, Malaysians have generally been responsible and have been cooperating with the authorities to keep the enemy at bay.
"But that success that we enjoyed seems to be our Achilles heel. We are becoming complacent at a time when we cannot afford to be so.
"The opportunity of reclaiming the simple pleasures of our lives after the pandemic should not lull us into complacency," he said in a statement today.
On July 15, Malaysia clocked 5,230 Covid-19 cases, the highest daily figure since April 24, and active cases jumped to 42,468 the next day.
Earlier this month, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry expected a rise in cases after it detected several Omicron BA.5 sub-variant cases.
The BA.5 is currently the most transmissible Omicron variant which could evade human antibodies.
Lee, therefore, urged people to be extra vigilant and to remember their civic duty by adhering to the SOPs.
"The Covid-19 virus is always mutating and pose an ever-present danger. We, therefore, cannot afford to return to our old ways. At least, not just yet.
"We have observed that the number of infections always spiral during and immediately after a festival when people gather and ignore the SOP.
"It, therefore, behoves of us to be extra vigilant during these periods of celebration. The last thing we need is to see our celebratory mood turn sorrowful," he said.
Lee also called on the authorities to initiate measures to constantly remind people at bazaars, shopping complexes, and religious ceremonies to wear face masks.
"This could be done by appointing wardens with microphones who could periodically remind the public to follow standard SOPs and stay safe," he said.