KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to immediately revoke a new ministerial order that reduces the mandatory quarantine period for ministers returning from official visits abroad from 10 to three days.

The Malaysian Health Coalition, in statement today, described the order under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Exemption) Order 2021, as a form of double standards that undermines on-going efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.

"The Malaysian Health Coalition is deeply disappointed by the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Exemption) Order 2021, which came into effect from Feb 9.

"It basically states that any cabinet minister returning from any overseas official visit shall undergo a three-day quarantine only, instead of the 10-day quarantine for ordinary Malaysians. 

"The justification provided by the Health Minister does not sufficiently explain the rationale, science, evidence or facts behind this decision. Therefore, we can only take it at face value, and we oppose this order in the strongest possible way," read the statement.

Double standards that are not based on science or evidence, the coalition warned, would erode public trust in the standard operating procedures (SOP) in place to curb the outbreak.

"They will worsen the trust deficit between the people and politicians. Health professionals cannot fight Covid-19 without public trust and confidence in the health system," it said.

According to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Exemption) Order 2021, cabinet ministers who return from official visits abroad will only have to undergo three days of observation or surveillance before they are discharged with a clean bill of health.

Exercising the powers conferred to him by Section 29 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba signed the federal gazette which takes effect today.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/664428/medical-coalition-order-cutting-quarantine-ministers-3-days-irrational