IPOH: Hitting the campaign trail is extremely hectic and coupled with rising Covid-19 infections, candidates are taking all precautions to keep safe and healthy.
Many of them, however, are finding it difficult to wear a face mask on their walkabouts, especially the new faces who feel they need to be seen by constituents.
On Monday, Pakatan Harapan’s Gopeng candidate Tan Kar Hing posted on Facebook that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and would self-quarantine until Nov 11.
MCA’s Canning state seat candidate Woo Kok Toong (pic) said his campaign trail was usually at crowded places like markets and coffee shops, and he also makes door-to-door visits.
The 31-year-old engineer said as a new candidate he had to show his face while campaigning, and thus it was difficult to put on a mask at all times.
“What I can do is to make sure I sanitise my hands often, and instead of shaking hands, use the fist bump.
“I often self-test for Covid-19 and advise my team members to do so as well,” he said.
Buntong’s MIC candidate S.Jayagopi said it would seem rude if he or his team members immediately sanitised their hands after shaking hands with people.
“So, what I tell my team members is after shaking hands, do not rub their eyes or face and instead walk away, and then sanitise their hands,” he said.
“Wearing a mask is always the safest way, and if anyone has symptoms, it would be advisable to immediately do a self-test,” he added.
Hafez Sabri of PAS, who is contesting under the Perikatan Nasional ticket for the Manjoi state seat, said his wife, a doctor, ensures he tests for Covid-19 every night without fail.
He said she also makes sure he has enough face masks and hand sanitisers with him.
“She usually asks me whether I have any symptoms. It is challenging because many times, I have to remove my face mask when meeting constituents,” he said, adding that he told his team members to however put on their mask at all times and sanitise their hands often.
DAP’s Ipoh Timor parliamentary candidate Howard Lee said he was concerned about the rise in Covid-19 cases, adding that his whole team conducts regular testing.
“I have provided test kits for the whole team, which they must do every three days. As a candidate, I do a self-test daily, as I am more exposed to physical contact.
“Hand sanitisers are of course now a staple, and face masks are part of the campaign expenditure,” he said.
Tronoh’s MCA candidate Leong Chee Wai said as a councillor of the Batu Gajah district council, many already know him.
He said he would put on his face mask at all times and remove it only when necessary.
“I try to wash my hands often and use a sanitiser whenever possible,” he said, adding he self-test every night.
Ng Shy Ching, from PKR, who is contesting for the Teja seat, said she was worried but had no other choice but to meet constituents.
The state seat Ng is contesting is under Tan’s parliamentary seat, and as a team they have been campaigning together.
“Tan and another two team members have tested positive for Covid-19, and thus I need to take extra precautions as well.
“When people put their hands out, it is impolite to avoid shaking hands with them, so that cannot be avoided.
“I try to wear a mask whenever possible and sanitise my hands often,” she added.
Ipoh Barat parliamentary candidate Low Guo Nan said for the whole campaigning period, he asked his wife to take their two children aged four and one to live with her parents.
He said since it was not possible to minimise physical contact with people, he felt the right thing to do was to ensure his two young children are safe.
“Despite taking all the precautions, the risk of getting Covid-19 is there,” he added.
