COVID-19: BE VIGILANT, AVOID PANIC

Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Association (PPPKAM) president Prof Dr Jamaluddin Ab Rahman said the country is now more advanced in leading the fight against COVID-19 compared to the early years and therefore, health facilities are better prepared to face any eventuality.

“We learned many things in 2020 when COVID-19 hit the country, including preparedness to face the pandemic. I believe that the capabilities of hospitals (and other health facilities) are now different than before and the health sector is more prepared.

“All we can do is be careful and alert and avoid panic. Continue the practice of wearing face masks and using sanitiser, especially during and after attending any public event,” he said as a guest on Bernama Radio’s ‘Reaksi: Peningkatan Kes COVID-19’ (Reaction: Increase in COVID-19 Cases) programme today.

Meanwhile, Dr Jamaluddin asked the government to train experts in producing COVID-19 vaccines and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.

“This is important as a long-term plan because, with the ability to make vaccines ourselves, we can overcome the problem of insufficient vaccine supply around the world,” he said.

He said this when commenting on the statement by Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan that the Ministry of Health is still in the process of acquiring the latest generation of Pfizer vaccine supply.– BERNAMA