PUTRAJAYA – Malaysians are encouraged to wear double face masks and a face shield in crowded and high-risk public areas, such as hospitals.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said wearing two face masks could filter up to 95 per cent of the COVID-19 virus, although the government has not made it compulsory for now.
“The wearing of double face masks is encouraged, but not compulsory, but wearing a face mask is mandatory.
“If you are in a crowded or high-risk area, it is highly advisable to wear double face masks and also a face shield,” he said at a joint media conference with Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on the Movement Control Order (MCO) developments here today.
Dr Noor Hisham said there was a report recently stating that the COVID-19 virus could be airborne and not only spread by droplets.
Ismail Sabri, meanwhile, stressed that the wearing of face shields and niqab without a face mask is an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
“Under Act 342, it is compulsory to wear a face mask in public, wearing other face coverings such as face shields and niqab cannot be used as an excuse for not wearing a face mask,” he said.
Oxygen supply sufficient
With regard to the supply of medical oxygen at the health facilities using VIE (vacuum insulated evaporators) and portable cylinders that supply liquid oxygen to the tanks, it is still sufficient so far, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
“There are still 20,000 units of portable cylinders in storage and can be used whenever needed, while the suppliers have the ability to produce liquid oxygen five times the current demand.
“The surge in COVID-19 cases at this point has caused the use of medical oxygen to increase dramatically.
“The Health Ministry (MOH) from time to time holds an engagement session with suppliers in addressing the issue of increasing need for medical oxygen supply,” he said in a statement today.
In emergency cases or for contingency, Dr Adham said the suppliers still had 500,000 units of portable industrial gas cylinders that could be converted for the use of medical oxygen according to the standards.
Today, Malaysia recorded 6,320 COVID-19 cases with 652 patients in the intensive care units (ICU) including 370 of them requiring ventilator assistance.
Dr Adham said the management of the medical oxygen supply system in the country and health facilities was in compliance with the Malaysian Standards as well as the relevant international standards and operated by competent staff.
“The supply of medical oxygen to the health facilities is on a scheduled and regular basis, and the suppliers can meet the demand.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the management of medical oxygen supply at the health facilities so as not to affect the clinical operations” he said, ending the statement with a hashtag of #KITA MESTI MENANG. (#We Must Win).
No disruption to supply chain, food security
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) meanwhile in a related development, has said it will ensure that there are no disruptions to the nation’s food supply chain and food security throughout the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Welcoming the government’s decision to tighten the MCO, its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the agriculture and food industry sector would continue to be placed under essential services and be allowed to operate subject to certain standard operating procedures (SOP).
“MAFI has taken the necessary measures, including seeking approval from the National Security Council (MKN) to ensure farmers, fishermen and livestock breeders continue to be allowed to operate throughout the MCO to ensure the continued supply of food,” he said in a statement today.
In line with that effort, Ronald, who is also Beluran MP, said the ministry had taken various steps and efforts to ensure the country’s food supply was safeguarded, no matter what the situation.
He said the government would ensure the supply of essential food items, such as rice, meat, fish, vegetables and fruits remained at a stable and adequate level.
He also said that the Crisis Management Centre (CMC) had been reopened in line with the MCO and would function as the main centre to receive calls, early warnings and daily situation reports so as to have the latest information on every sector and industry.
Any inquiries and complaints can be channelled through the hotline at 03-88701491/1664 or the website http://mafi.spab.gov.my.
Ronald also said the data monitoring system and the country’s daily supply issue that was implemented by the ministry since the first MCO would continue to generate current status and food supply reports on main commodities.
“The report will be submitted to the MKN for monitoring purposes,” he added.
