Prioritising hygiene: A worker at a restaurant in George Town cleaning a table with sanitiser after use by customers. — KT GOH/The Star
Malaysians hope govt will implement preventive measures to curb its spread locally
GEORGE TOWN: While there is currently no widespread concern of mpox, people are hoping that the government will increase awareness and implement preventive measures to curb its spread locally.
Pensioner Kasmawati Mohammad, 63, suggested that the government should begin by raising awareness about the disease and enforcing preventive measures in schools and public spaces like restaurants and shopping malls.
During a check at several restaurants here recently, it was observed that patrons were dining without adhering to physical distancing guidelines.
At a popular nasi kandar outlet, staff made efforts to encourage customers to maintain physical distancing while queuing outside.
The restaurant’s director Muhammad Riyaaz Syed Ibrahim noted the challenge of enforcing these measures during busy periods.
“Although it’s not mandatory, we encourage physical distancing and ensure that tables are sanitised after each use. We also conduct thorough cleaning weekly to keep the restaurant clean,” he said.
At another restaurant, physical distancing was not observed among customers waiting in line.
Its operator Rizuan Kechik, 47, said he stopped asking customers to practise physical distancing due to a lack of instructions from the authorities.
He expressed willingness to reintroduce such measures if directed by the authorities for safety reasons.
“I hope the situation isn’t severe, but if the authorities feel the need to reintroduce the measure, we will be happy to comply,” he said.
Pensioner Abdul Khalid Mat Isa, 62, said that he heard the virus could be transmitted through direct contact.
The Kuala Lumpur resident shared that his family is taking precautions, such as regular hand washing and avoiding crowded places.
Senior executive Syairah Abdullah, 28, from Selangor, expressed concern about mpox as she is expecting her second child soon.
“I remind myself and my family about the importance of cleanliness to minimise the risk of infection,” she said.
Meanwhile, state youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen urged local and foreign tourists to be vigilant whenever they are out in public.He said high-risk individuals who experience symptoms of mpox such as fever, swollen lymph nodes and rashes should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently announced that the country will receive mpox vaccines distributed through the Covid-19 Asean Response Fund.
“We will take delivery of Tecovirimat Antiviral (TPOXX) and MVA-BN vaccine for mpox,” he said in two brief X posts.
“TPOXX is used in the treatment of mpox, especially those who have acute infection and a weak immune system.”
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus.
It was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, with the first human case recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As of Aug 26, there were 31 suspected cases of mpox in Malaysia, of which 25 cases have been confirmed negative while six are still being monitored.
On Aug 14, the World Health Organisation declared mpox a global public health emergency of international concern.
