“We are following the South Korean model to test everyone. Test, test, test – and then test again. By testing everyone, we can detect positive cases early and help minimise the spread of COVID-19”, said Dr Nur Abdul Karim, a consultant emergency physician and head of Accident & Emergency Services at the KPJ Damansara Hospital in Kuala Lumpur:
Local media reported that Malaysia’s testing capacity for the virus which currently stands at 11,500 samples a day is expected to rise with five new laboratories, making up to a total of 48 testing facilities across the country. Nevertheless, Malaysia has yet to reach its target of conducting 16,500 tests per day.
According to Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Malaysia’s Director General of Health, at the present time, the Ministry of Health is working to optimise the use of existing laboratories in the country by shifting its strategy to conduct an antibody test (serology) instead of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for those who have been in close contact with COVID-19 patients and have been quarantined.
He added that the reason for the shift of strategy is because PCR tests are more time consuming as samples need to be sent to laboratories, compared with antibody tests that can be done on-site.
Dr Noor Hisham said the antibody tests will be conducted for close contacts who are about to end their 14-day quarantine period to determine if they are cleared for release. However, close contacts will still be required to undergo a PCR test at the start of their quarantine.
In March, a video of Malaysian
nurses using plastic bags as personal protective equipment (PPE) suits went viral on social media. The video sparked concerns among the general public regarding the safety of medical front liners who are using self-made gear in order to protect themselves. Since then, top local fashion designers such as Jovian Mandagie and Rizalman among others, have come together to sew and produce PPE suits.
“I chose to sew this PPE not only because it is one of the most essential things needed by our front liners, but also because it is what I do best as a fashion designer,” said Jovian Mandagie.
A website called #KitaJagaKita (We Take Care of Each Other) was also set up by Malaysian author, Hanna Alkaf and a few others where people can donate money and lend a helping hand to front liners and those in need during this time of crisis. Malaysians who need monetary assistance or even counselling can also seek help from the website.
“I started a Twitter thread compiling positive things that people on the ground are doing for their communities, and a few people contacted me to ask how they can do more. We started a WhatsApp group, and in 24 hours, we launched the site,” the author explained.
Despite being forced to remain in isolation, the pandemic has brought Malaysians closer together – from government, and front liners, to activists and the public – in the war against the COVID-19 virus.