THE Royal Malaysian Navy has set up several quarantine centres in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 among its staff.

Navy chief Admiral Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said these centres were created specifically for navy staff with Covid-19 symptoms who will be monitored for health screening.

He said among the locations for these quarantine centres were Bangunan A 33 for staff in the navy base in Lumut, Perak and Bangunan 4 Transit Pulau Uda at the navy base in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 

“The quarantine centres are very important to ensure that possible Covid-19 infections are contained.

“According to current statistics of positive Covid-19 cases, since April 3, there have been no Covid-19 patients among navy personnel and their families and this must be maintained as best as possible,” he said in his speech in conjunction with the navy’s 86th anniversary.

Reza reminded navy staff to take the necessary preventive and early detection measures for Covid-19 to ensure that they are free of infection.

“I also hope that everyone is aware of the sensitivities and do not misuse social media to spread unverified or fake information,” he said.

He added that despite the threat of Covid-19, TLDM operations including patrols and surveillance were still being conducted around the clock without compromise.

“Operations are being planned to prevent possible encroachments by illegal immigrants especially at a time when all countries are faced with the Covid-19 crisis.

“Navy assets must always be in a state of preparedness to be mobilised as there is a high possibility of illegal immigrants coming in,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said, 1,200 navy staff are currently involved with the enforcement of the MCO through Op Penawar, stationed at roadblocks and on patrol with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

“As frontliners, the navy plays an important role in helping the government break the chain of infection of the pandemic, and I urge navy staff to remain focused in carrying out their duties and responsibilities,” he said. – Bernama, April 27, 2020.