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KUALA LUMPUR: Whenever he receives a message from the Chief Health Officer, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Adham Baba, about the latest Covid-19 numbers, Ismail Sabri Yaakob can’t help but feel nervous, especially when it comes to an increase in new cases and deaths.
The senior minister of security, who has been appearing on television to update people on Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) since the implementation of the first motion control order (MCO) on March 18 of last year , takes the job of helping flatten the Covid-19 curve very seriously.
“It has been a stressful experience for me. Imagine, 3,000 cases, 4,000 cases, 5,000 cases. Of course, I was the one who was scared the most because this is my job, which is to flatten the infection curve.
“Similarly, when it comes to death. It is something that no one can accept, although we will all die one day, but any death caused by Covid-19 is worse (because) we cannot pay our last respects or kiss the deceased and so on. That is an unforgettable episode, ”he said in an interview here recently.
On the different SOPs between MCO 1.0 and MCO 2.0, Ismail said that the government had to take the best path to find a balance between containing Covid-19 and ensuring the survival of the people.
Furthermore, during the first MCO, Ismail said that Malaysia did not have the data and experience, and that there was no country that could be used as a reference to deal with Covid-19.
“Now we are flexible because if we are too rigid, our economy will get worse and our people will no longer be able to survive.
“The popular economy is a priority for the government because we want to make sure that there is food on the table. We don’t want people to die from Covid-19, but we also don’t want our people to starve to death.
“Now, after a year, we have complete scientific data, as well as experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Emergency (Infectious Disease Prevention and Control) Ordinance (Amendment) 2021 which sets a maximum fine of RM10,000 for people violating SOPs as of March 11, Ismail said it was for repeat offenders.
In addition, he said that those involved in serious crimes that can cause the spread of the infection, such as visiting entertainment centers, can also be fined up to 10,000 ringgit.
However, Ismail, who is also the defense minister, said the offender could appeal to the district health office (PKD) as the police only issued subpoenas.
“If you get caught just for not wearing a mask, you won’t be fined 10,000 RM. The health ministry is the one who will receive the payment. The police only issue the citation, so people can still appeal to reduce the fine. It can be RM1,000, RM100, or even RM50. It depends on the officials of the Ministry of Health in the PKD, ”he said.
Leading the portfolio for a year, the Bera deputy said that he has become immune to thieves launched by Internet users.
“As a politician, this is normal. We have to accept it as it is.
“This is because you can’t expect everyone to like you. Some like you, some don’t, ”said the vice president of Umno, adding that the opinions and comments of netizens are sometimes also taken into account when deciding on SOPs.
