Setting off with pride: Dr Zaliha (in the background holding a Malaysian flag) launching the national month and the ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2023’ ministry-level event in Putrajaya. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry will recommend to the Election Commission (EC) that the existing Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedure (SOP) be adopted in the elections in six states and the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, says its minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said her ministry will also hold discussions with the relevant agencies and departments including the EC if the SOP for preventing the spread of Covid-19 needs to be improved or revised based on the current situation, Bernama reported.
The existing SOP, which was applied in the 15th General Election last November, includes allowing individuals who have been infected to vote, subject to certain rules, she told the media after launching her ministry-level national month and the “Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2023” event here yesterday.
“So far, if we look at the trend of the cases we are receiving, we take note and the SOP is already in place.
“But we will discuss if it is necessary to carry out measures that are different from the normal SOP, and will discuss this with the EC, the National Security Council and the agencies involved if there needs to be other procedures,” Dr Zaliha added.
The elections in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan as well as the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat by-election will be held simultaneously, with the EC setting Aug 12 for polling and July 29 as nomination day.
