The Malaysian Insight

MASS testing for Covid-19 is taking place on a more “aggressive” scale in the Federal Territories as the authorities ramp up early-detection efforts.

Minister Annuar Musa said testing would be concentrated at the PPR flats in Kuala Lumpur for now.

“There are many cases now that do not show symptoms hence mass screening is crucial at this point,” he said during a visit to Bandar Tun Razak KL today.

He said people were encouraged rather than forced to undergo the tests.

This was because Covid-19 would only be defeated by a community effort.

On Thursday, he said the mass screening programme would start of in the community halls of four housing schemes in Bandar Tun Razak.

These four locations are Dewan PA Seri Sabah 3A, Dewan PA Seri Sabah 3B, Dewan PA Seri Pulau Pinang and Dewan PA Seri Kota. Tests are available there for several days.

The programme lists a total of 15 locations where mass testing would be conducted this month.

More will be added to the list and announced by the ministry as the month progresses.

Annuar announced that a mobile vaccination programme will pilot at PPR Muhibah in Lembah Pantai on Monday.

It targets to inoculate some 1,000 people.

Resident Noor Amelia, 29, welcomed the free tests which were costly to do otherwise.

“I have urged my family to come along with me today to do the screening as we never know who is carrying the virus,” she said. 

Suresh Ratnam, 44, said that he hoped more people will take up such screening opportunities.

“There’s no point if only a few of us do the test and the rest don’t.

“The free mass screening is a good opportunity for us especially – the B40 community – to get tested as we wouldn’t know who is carrying the virus,” he said.

Cheng Joon, 51, said despite the good turnout on show, he was aware many people in the flats had not shown up.

“I honestly don’t know what else to say to those who do not show up as you can see the cases are rising and number or deaths have been three digit

“Times like this, we have to work together and cooperate as much as we can (to beat the virus). Only then we can get back to living our normal lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, Annuar, who is Ketereh MP, said he welcomed the proposal to hold the Parliament sitting in a hybrid manner.

“I personally welcome the move. Ministers will be able to provide explanations in an orderly manner and listen to supplementary questions…as long as the sitting does not interfere with the process of Emergency Proclamation because the priority now is to fight Covid-19,” he said.

In the meantime, Annuar said he would make an announcement next week on the assistance for hawkers and small traders who are affected by the total lockdown. – June 5, 2021.