Former health minister reminds public to continue practising SOP as M'sia allows interstate travel
11 Oct 2021
By Ilona Andrew
SANDAKAN: Former state health minister Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung has reminded the public to continue adhering to the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) as Malaysia has started allowing interstate travel.
While Sabah has yet to allow interstate travel as it has not reached the required 90 per cent vaccination rate, the state will make a decision about it this coming Wednesday during a cabinet meeting.
As of Oct 10, Sabah's rate of vaccination among the adult population stands at 73.4 per cent and districts such as Sandakan and Tawau are still below the 70 per cent rate.
"I think there are two schools of thought when it comes to reopening all borders within Malaysia. To a wider extent, travelling outside Malaysia is also allowed without the need for MyTravelpass. The economic factor should also be the primary reason for one to travel.
"Whether one decides to travel or not, I believe adhering to SOP is absolutely important and should be practised at all times. In addition, one should wear double masks and try not to confine to indoor, if possible," he said in a statement today.
The State Assemblyman for Tanjong Papat reminded that the public should observe a social distance of at least three to six feet, especially when one has young children that have yet been vaccinated against Covid-19.
Poon said, both Singapore and the state of Sarawak have earlier on vaccinated up to 80 per cent of their population and yet there is still a spike in Covid-19 cases.
"The point is the virus is in the air. We should continue practising SOPs. This is not a movie that we can stop watching nor is this a journey that we can choose to stop and go back.
"We are in the real world. Science and data is the way. Practice what has been advised by the Ministry of Health. Live a life but one that is considerate of others. Not just ourselves. Then I believe we can continue to live a life."
Poon also mentioned that he is in favour of opening up a subject to the authorities about increasing their enforcement units so that every establishment and individual would strictly comply with the SOP issued by the Health Ministry.
