Health DG: “The use of smart wristbands for People Under Surveillance can be considered”

We all know that people coming into Malaysia in the midst of the pandemic are required to wear a pink wrist band to indicate that they are people under surveillance (PUS). However, in the past few days, there have been a few pictures of several PUS defying their mandatory self-quarantine.

This issue was brought up in the Ministry of Health’s broadcast on 21st July.

After a reporter asked whether the government is considering smart wristbands, Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham has said that the use of smart wristbands can be considered but there is an underlying cost to it. Right now, everyone is using the MySejahtera application and that can give MoH information on the PUS’ location and if they are really at home.

A bahrain police officer fitting an electronic wristband to a person under surveillance.

As an example, Dr Noor Hisham brought up the case of a person in Johor. The police went over to the individual’s house for a check, however, the PUS was not at home. So the police will apprehend the PUS and bring them to court where they may be fined.

The use of smart wristbands has already been implemented in Hong Kong and Bahrain. People going into Hong Kong or Bahrain are required to wear the wristbands round the clock. It is connected to their phone and their GPS location must be shown at all times to ensure that they are abiding self-quarantine.

This is a first for me. An electronic wristband to monitor my (lack of) movement during my compulsory 14 day quarantine in Hong Kong. Feels like house arrest. I had to install a tracking app that has access to my phone’s location & camera. (Yes, you can shower with the wristband) pic.twitter.com/nPSy6HHNZ0

— Will Ripley (@willripleyCNN) May 15, 2020

Do you think the Malaysian government should also introduce the use of smart wristbands?

Also read: Another Malaysian Found Disobeying Home Quarantine Rules At Sri Hartamas Kopitiam