THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed concern over the proposed amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1998 (Act 342).

Its president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said while the group acknowledges the need for updated legislation to address public health emergencies, the current proposal requires substantial revisions to ensure it serves the best interests of both public health and individual rights.

“Our key concerns include the proposed increase in fines to RM5,000 for individuals which is excessive and could affect lower-income groups. We urge for a more balanced approach that considers socioeconomic factors,” she said in a statement on Tuesday (July 16).

“Secondly the amendments granting expanded powers to authorised officers, including the use of force, raise serious concerns about potential abuse and lack of accountability and therefore clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms must be established.

“The use of tracking devices for infected individuals, while potentially useful for disease control, must also be balanced with robust privacy protections and clear limitations on data use.”

MMA recommended, among others, broader consultations with healthcare professionals, public health experts and community representatives before finalising the amendments to Act 342, a focus on health education and balanced enforcement, support for vulnerable groups as well as the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure.

“Instead of punitive measures, we recommend increased emphasis on public health education and improving health literacy which are crucial for effective disease prevention and control,” she stated.

“Any new regulations must be applied fairly and consistently across all segments of society to avoid the perception or reality of double standards.

“We also propose the inclusion of provisions for financial and social support for those affected by quarantine or isolation measures, particularly for lower-income individuals.

“In terms of strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure, the focus should be on improving our public health system’s capacity to respond to infectious diseases rather than relying primarily on punitive measures.”

Dr Azizan expressed MMA’s readiness to work with the government to develop a more balanced and effective approach to managing infectious diseases, saying public health measures should be based on scientific evidence, respect for individual rights, and consideration of socioeconomic factors.

“We call on the government to reconsider the current amendments and work towards a version that prioritises public health while safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of all Malaysians,” she added. - July 16, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/mma-calls-for-revision-to-proposed-amendments-of-infectious-diseases-act/