MMA welcomes no masks outdoors, urges MoH to maintain travel insurance, testing travellers

27 Apr 2022 09:20pm

MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai says the relaxed SOPs will revive the country's economy as well as reduce mental stress since the beginning of the pandemic.

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has welcomed the easing of Covid SOPs from May 1, stating "it is a positive development in managing the pandemic" but are concerned over scrapping of travel insurance and easing procedures testing for travellers.

Its president Dr Koh Kar Chai said the relaxed SOPs will revive the country's economy as well as reduce mental stress since the beginning of the pandemic.

"Travelers entering the country is an accepted practice for many countries, especially within countries with high vaccination rates.

"(But) we are concerned over doing away with travel insurance at this current moment. We do not know if the full reopening of borders will lead to an increased load on our healthcare services should there be an increase in cases," he said in a statement today.

Dr Koh said those with comorbidities still have a high risk of COVID-19.

"Wearing face masks still has a role to play especially when indoors or on public transport. Though there is some flexibility on face mask-wearing when outdoors, we hope the public will make the right call on when it is appropriate to wear their facemasks."

This is because most children are still yet to be vaccinated while older adults and those with comorbidities still has a risk of experiencing severe Covid-19, he said.

Dr Koh also welcomes the Health Ministry's decision to drop the requirement to scan the contact tracing MySejahtera App before entering premises as there is no longer a need to do contact tracing at this stage with the majority of people being vaccinated.

"The protocols set for the Raya celebrations are also well thought out and comprehensive. We hope those celebrating will prioritise safety and a simple self-test before heading back to the hometown can be a lifesaver."

"A reminder that this relaxation of SOPs is not because we are out of the pandemic but because we need to live with the virus in our midst and we must not let our guard down as yet," he said.