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PETALING JAYA: A Kuala Lumpur-based think tank today urged Putrajaya not to impose a movement control order (MCO) despite the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, saying a lockdown was not effective in containing the pandemic.
The Center for Market Education (CME) said the most recent scientific literature showed no correlation between “draconian restrictive measures and slowing the spread of Covid-19.”
CME CEO Carmelo Ferlito said recent studies showed that the spread of the virus was influenced by variables such as latitude, climate, social habits and the age of the population.
He also said that the results obtained in different parts of the world where blockades had been imposed were so diverse that it was impossible to identify how the virus spread.
“If the same policy produces different results in different contexts, it means that the main factors behind the results were different,” he said in a statement in response to speculation that another MCO would be imposed.
Ferlito noted that in different regions, countries that were slightly affected in March and April were now experiencing an increase in infections, such as Malaysia in Southeast Asia and Germany in Europe.
“This means that these countries (initially) were saved from the virus by natural factors rather than restrictive measures,” he said.
He said it was necessary to avoid measures that damage lives without obtaining significant results in the fight against Covid-19.
“We ask the government not to react with fear but with solid data analysis and a better communication strategy,” he said.
Ferlito said it would be better for Putrajaya to focus on improving data analytics and advertising by improving his communication strategy and strengthening his research.
He said that data analysis was crucial to identifying the root of the problem and would help implement stronger policies. If accompanied by a proper communication strategy, it would help people to better assess their risks.
In the case of Malaysia, he said, there was a need to constantly update the data and have it made public and communicated properly.
“While it makes no sense to lock up the entire population, with enormous and dramatic consequences, those most at risk must be properly informed,” he said.
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