KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should remain cautious and comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government, despite the nod given to inter-state and inter-district travel.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Professor Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said it is crucial to continue adhering to the SOP as Malaysia has not reached the end of its Covid-19 fight, with the virus still present within the community.
"As state borders will be opened starting tomorrow (Dec 7) and domestic travel expected to increase within the next few weeks, we wish to remind Malaysians on the importance of maintaining full adherence to the SOP, or cases can rise further which can result in restrictions to travel being reimposed.
"Green zones can easily turn into red zones if there is poor compliance," he said.
He said with full compliance with the SOP, more restrictions can be lifted.
"However, the authorities must be convinced that there will be strict adherence, in which our compliance with the SOP must be at an assuring level."
Dr Subramaniam said MMA fully supports the government's approach of focusing on SOP enforcement.
"The country cannot afford the imposing of restrictions whenever there is a surge in cases.
"Therefore, the focus should be on preventing the surge in the first place and the only way is through strict adherence to the SOP.
"Full compliance with the SOP should be the nation's number one priority until the pandemic is over."
Dr Subramaniam said in line with that, the government should set benchmarks for SOP compliance with weekly reports to track progress.
"The data obtained from the reports will enable the government to target stricter enforcement in areas reporting low compliance.
"Enforcement efforts must also be stepped up or the SOPs may be taken lightly."
MMA's sentiment was echoed by Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who said Malaysians must continue to exercise utmost precautions like wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and practicing physical distancing.
"It is with a palpable sigh of relief that news has been received about relaxing the restrictive rules imposed several months ago under CMCO."
Lee said while the recent announcement will certainly boost the economy and throw a lifeline to SMEs and family-owned enterprises, it does not mean that Malaysians can let their guard down.
"While we must strike a balance between lives and livelihoods, the new opportunities that we enjoy are also new chances for the enemy to strike again.
"Therefore, there can be no compromises where these measures are concerned.
"The war against Covid-19 is not yet over, and we must never let our guard down."
