KUCHING, Oct 4: Malaysia will manage Covid-19 as endemic rather than pandemic with clear SOPs, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said said more and more countries are starting to realise, the world will move from dealing with the virus as pandemic to living with it and managing it as an endemic reality.
“We are now refusing to allow this virus to dominate and disrupt our lives and society. To do this, we must be prepared to accept that we can no longer return to the carefree ‘normality’ of the past.
“Instead, we must define for ourselves what the working conditions in living in an endemic scenario should be. We will implement policies that will encourage the attitudes and behaviours which will be necessary in this scenario.
“Malaysians will have clear SOPs (standard operating procedure), will be trusted to exercise responsibility, and in return, will enjoy a resumption of social and economic activities – along a clear path defined by a meaningful government strategy,” said Ismail Sabri at Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2021 held in Kuala Lumpur today.
He said the pandemic has brought a new perspective in defining the “essential workers”.
Though the term has traditionally been limited to refer to doctors, nurses and medical staff who work beyond their limits in treating patients affected by the Covid-19, it has now been extended to include those whose work in keeping the country functioning.
“This would include supermarket workers, cleaners, and delivery drivers, to name a few. My deepest appreciation and gratitude to these unsung heroes,” he said. — DayakDaily
