Academy of Medicine, MMA call for scrapping of 3-day quarantine
The Academy of Medicine of Malaysia said it is troubled by the introduction of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Exemption) Order 2021, which states that cabinet ministers returning from official overseas visits must only quarantine for three days instead of the mandatory 10 days for inbound travellers.
"We, the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, wholeheartedly oppose the Exemption Order as well as any plan to extend the three-day quarantine rule to other travellers.
"We wish to remind the government that all standard operating procedures (SOP) must be grounded in science. The quarantine period for inbound travellers is set at 10 days based on research which shows that the risk of transmission is extremely low (~1%) after 10 days, with monitoring and testing in place.
"The incubation period for Covid-19 is on average five to six days, but can be as long as 14 days. Therefore, three days is insufficient to detect symptoms.
"There must be an evidence-based, public health explanation for the government’s decision to reduce quarantine days," said the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, a registered body representing medical specialists, embracing 11 colleges and 15 chapters.
Earlier this week Health Minister Dr Adham Baba issued an order allowing him to relax the quarantine period for ministers returning from abroad to three days instead of 10.
In justifying this, Adham said this may eventually be extended to business travellers and the public.
This, he said, is because the 10-day quarantine period had deterred investors from visiting the country, hurting the economy.
The health minister also clarified that only cabinet ministers who travel in a ‘bubble itinerary’ will undergo three-day quarantine.
The Academy of Medicine in its statement rebutted this idea, saying that the effectiveness of so-called ‘travel bubbles’ is also still in question as new variants of Covid-19 with increased transmission capability spread rapidly around the world.
"There is insufficient data on the mutations to develop robust protocols for safe travel.
"We understand there is an urgency to restart the economy for the benefit of Malaysians and businesses that are struggling, but this can only be done by bringing the pandemic under control first.
"The government must not open up our borders to ‘bubble’ delegations and risk bringing in new variants that could overwhelm our health system," the academy added.
The statement was signed by Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (Dr Rosmawati Mohamed, master), College of Anaesthesiologists (Dr Jahizah Hassan, president), College of Dental Specialists (Dr Lian Chin Boon, president), College of Emergency Physicians (Dr Ridzuan Mohd Isa, president) College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Dr Siti Zawiah Omar, president), College of Ophthalmologists (Dr Nur Fariza Ngah, president), College of Paediatrics (Dr Thong Meow Keong, president), College of Pathologists (Dr Cheong Soon Keng, president), College of Physicians (Dr Letchuman Ramanathan, president) College of Public Health Medicine (Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman, president) College of Radiology (Dr Norlisah Ramli, president) and the College of Surgeons (Professor Dr April Camilla Roslani, president).
"We call on the government to revoke the Exemption Order and - until there is scientific evidence that suggests differently - to enforce a 10-day quarantine for all," they said.
Earlier, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr M Subramaniam said his association also strongly opposes the new ministerial order.
"This smacks of double standards and the MMA strongly urges that the new order be revoked immediately.
"Careful consideration must be exercised with any new order issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) and any decision in managing the pandemic, must be based on science and evidence," he said.
"The new ministerial order clearly angers the rakyat. If the government wants the people to strictly adhere to the SOPs, it should lead by example and abide by the same rules.
"The same 10-day quarantine period should apply to all regardless of position. The government must put a stop to the double standards," Subramaniam added.
Yesterday, a group of 34 opposition lawmakers also urged the government and Adham to retract the three-day quarantine option, saying ministers should set an example on following the standard operating procedures (SOPs), which are being enforced strictly on accused violators.
"(Ministers) should not be the cause of new clusters when meeting the people without adhering to the SOPs," they added.
"We also urge that the cabinet to hold immediate detailed discussions on the quarantine issue for Malaysians returning from abroad and make fair and equal decisions for all, based on scientific data, and not to make life easier for ministers," they said.
Among the signatories of this statement are Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, Muda co-founder Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, DAP deputy secretary-general Teresa Kok, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub and Sabah PKR chief Christina Liew. - Mkini
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