The country’s healthcare system is reaching its breaking point with the upward trend of Covid-19 cases.
Saying this in a special address today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said ICUs are almost at 100 percent capacity.
“As of Feb 3, private hospitals are providing 1,344 beds at normal wards and 65 in ICU for Covid-19 treatment,” Muhyiddin said.
He also said the government will not hesitate to take stern action against those who violate the rules or the standard operating procedure (SOP) put in place to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said a task force, comprising various agencies, has been formed to monitor the SOP during the current movement control order (MCO).
Since Malaysia is also under emergency, Muhyiddin said the Emergency Management Technical Committee has reviewed the provisions in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 or Act 342 that needs to be amended to enable stricter and faster enforcement action taken.
Among them are:
- Immediate closure of businesses that do not comply with the rules.
- Legal action against business owners, franchisees, franchise operators and other stakeholders in the business organisation chain;
- Legal action against the foreign labour management chain, including employers, employee supply agents, key contractors, sub-contractors and individuals;
- Higher compound action against repeat offenders or offenders who have been warned;
- Imprisonment of offenders who violate the rules; and
- Disciplinary action against civil servants, including heads of department, for violating the rules over the implementation of the work from home policy.
Muhyiddin said this approach was necessary to avoid a total lockdown, which could severely impact the economy, lives and livelihood.
“I urge the industries and the public to comply strictly with the SOPs imposed by the government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin reiterated his commitment in seeing the general election through once the Covid-19 pandemic is brought under control.
