The latest developments in the case of COVID-19 in Selangor
Last night (January 29, 2021) I called and chaired a meeting of the Special State Security Committee for the Control of the State of Selangor's COVID-19 which, among other things, discussed the sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 in Selangor, especially as announced by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) yesterday afternoon as well as measures - steps to break the epidemic chain.
A briefing by the Selangor State Health Department (JKNS) explained that the increase in cases was contributed by several main factors. Among them are cumulative cases (backlog cases) from the screening of factory workers, screening in prisons and screenings in clinics and private hospitals that are not reported directly or 'real time'. This 'backlog' can be traced from cases that happened 10 days ago.
In order to overcome this problem, JKNS will charge a compound to private clinics or hospitals that do not report positive cases directly on the same day through the Public Health Laboratory Information System (SIMKA).
In addition, the meeting has identified factories throughout the State of Selangor as the main areas of outbreaks. Therefore the State Government will implement the 'Preventing Outbreak at Ignition Site' (POIS) Program. POIS is a screening program in all factories and workplaces that have the potential to create clusters and spread. This is to break the chain and avoid clusters in the workplace. POIS will be implemented in collaboration with JKNS, Selgate Corporation Sdn Bhd, all Local Authorities (PBT) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
In order to prevent the outbreak of new clusters in factories and workplaces, the Selangor State Government will propose to the Federal Government to take decisive action and close down factories that hide positive cases among workers and do not cooperate with contact tracing activities.
The meeting also discussed the proposal to increase the number of Covid Assessment Centers (CAC), especially in the districts of Petaling, Hulu Langat and Gombak. CAC is responsible for analyzing COVID-19 patients to be classified according to certain categories before being taken to a quarantine center or hospital for further treatment. JKNS also informed that the MAEPS Serdang Low Risk Quarantine and Treatment Center (PKRC) has added facilities and is able to accommodate an additional 6,000 patients. Special facilities such as ICU tents and medical equipment have also been provided.
I call on all citizens to come together in an effort to break the chain of COVID-19 by practicing SOP compliance. Always wear a face mask and maintain physical distancing.
Selangor is our responsibility. Only with this spirit of belonging will be able to break the chain of this epidemic.
30th January 2021
