Day in and day out, medical professionals and the Ministry of Health remind the public to not share fake news about the pandemic to cause unnecessary panic. But who do we turn to when the one sharing misleading information is the president of a major research institute?
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chairman and President of EMIR Research, Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff is getting called out on social media for sharing an already-debunked “cure” for corona on his Twitter.
“Try this, I have started. May help to prevent virus attack!”
The concoction is said to “protect one before they experience corona symptoms and present as a cure after coronavirus.” It consists of turmeric powder, cloves, lemon with skin, and ginger with its skin removed. The concoction is complete after one litre of water is added and boiled for five minutes.
There was also a note saying that the concoction is a proven method by an Allopathy medical doctor who tested positive for Covid-19. The doctor was cured in 24 hours and not only that, the concoction is said to rectify all viral fevers.
“Corona Kashayam” has been debunked by doctors in June 2020
Before divulging what Malaysian netizens had to say about this issue, did you know the concoction has been debunked in an article by BOOM released in June 2020? After speaking to an Ayurvedic doctor, they found that while a “kashayam” can be treated as an immunity booster, it is NOT a cure to Covid-19.
BOOM also found that though all the ingredients are effective against viral illnesses, there is no study supporting their role in acting against SARS-CoV-2.
“Sorry but this practice of giving weird unproven “medicine” needs to stop. Understand how the virus works first before taking any unnecessary “medicine” “
Netizens in the comment section were unsurprisingly angry at the chairman for spreading false information. Some even questioned how he was in such a high position but did not choose to verify the “concoction” before posting it online.
However, Dr Rais Hussin is still adamant in his stand and fought back some commenters.
This is to prevent virus attack ! Did I say Covid19 ! ??♂️
— Dr. Rais Hussin (@raishussin) January 14, 2021
He added that it’s up to everyone’s freedom if they don’t believe in traditional medicine. Dr Rais Hussin also told netizens to try focusing on something else that will derive them more satisfaction.
Misinformation or alternative medicine? Let us know what you think!
Also read: Dr Amalina: No Evidence Warm Water Kills Covid-19 Like Health Minister Says
