“Don’t end up like Malaysia” – Indonesia Cautions Its Citizens Against Covid-19 Spread

Malaysia’s recent alarming rise in Covid-19 cases have been made into a cautionary example by the Indonesian Health Ministry as they reminded its citizens to take precautions against Covid-19 infection. In a tweet by the Republic’s Ministry of Health yesterday (8 May 2021), the Ministry’s spokesperson for Covid-19 vaccination, Dr Siti Nadia Tarmizi M. Epid said that they are two factors driving a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases which are the emergence of new Covid-19 variants as well as high mobility.

Furthermore, Dr Siti also asserted that there are now 3 new Covid-19 variants emerging in Indonesia which are:

• B.1.1.7 (UK variant)
• B.1.3.5.1 (South Africa variant)
• B.1.6.1.7. (India variant)

An indonesian receiving a dose of covid-19 vaccine.

All three variants spread faster in comparison to previous variants which could be seen in certain countries such as India and Malaysia. In fact, all three variants have thus far been detected within our shores.

She then asserted,

“Learn from India and Malaysia, we certainly do not want Indonesia to end up like them. Indonesians are reminded to always follow the 3M health protocols and avoid going out when not necessary.”

Belajar dari India dan Malaysia, kita tentunya tidak ingin Indonesia mengalami hal yang sama. Masyarakat diimbau untuk semakin ketat menerapkan protokol kesehatan 3M dan mengurangi mobilitas ke luar rumah apabila tidak mendesak. pic.twitter.com/Cd70qcxpXm

— Kemenkes RI (@KemenkesRI) May 6, 2021

The 3M health protocols mentioned by Dr Siti refers to the wearing face masks, hand washing and maintaining social distancing. The Indonesian Covid-19 vaccine spokesperson then stressed for the country’s citizens to stay at home and follow the SOPs set out by the Republic’s administration. She also pleads for Indonesians to not indulge in the yearly ‘mudik’ tradition which involves mass exodus from the cities towards one’s respective hometown during Adilfitri, even if they are already vaccinated.

As reported by Malaysiakini, while Malaysia’s handling of Covid-19 cases have been better than Indonesia perviously, currently we are fairing much worse than our neighbours. If we were to adjust Covid-19 cases by the size of population, Malaysia has a ratio of over 100 cases per million while Indonesia has around 18 per million. India on the other hand currently records an alarming 350,000 cases per day which makes a ratio of over 280 per million people.

Indonesian health ministry covid-19 vaccine spokesperson, dr siti nadia tarmizi m. Epid.

What do you guys think of the precaution given by the Dr Siti? Should she have used Malaysia as a bad example or was it not warranted? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: Indonesians Are Using Rafts & Rivers To Avoid Roadblocks And Go Home For Raya