THE upsurge in Covid-19 cases goes to show that there is a lack of compliance to the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP), said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Noting that the daily cases have breached past 7,000 for the past three days, the former prime minister said there is a possibility that the country could see an even higher caseload soon

In a blog post today, Dr Mahathir said the upsurge shows that the SOP is less effective or completely ineffective, and this is because there is a lack of compliance.

The Langkawi MP also shared incidents that he had witnessed.

Dr Mahathir said he saw about 20 contract workers in a queue with little physical distancing between them while waiting for their bus.

“Some had their face mask on their chin and there were one or two without a face mask,” he said.

“I don’t think they have been vaccinated. It is clear that they are not following the SOP. The close proximity could spread the infection.

“I believe that workers have been neglecting the SOP in other places as well,” he said while noting the absence of a supervisor to remind them to adhere to the SOP.

Dr Mahathir said the lack of physical distancing is also a problem among employees at shopping malls and those leaving the mosque after prayers, adding that while there is no problem with the SOP, the issue lies with the lack of compliance.

“The police and front-liners must ensure that people are always practising physical distancing.

“Given that the virus could be airborne, it is best that there is a two-metre gap,” Dr Mahathir said.

While the economy may suffer due to a lockdown, Dr Mahathir said an economic downturn is much better than people losing their lives.

“I don’t want to comment about the effectiveness of the emergency in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said, referring to the emergency rule imposed on January 12 to help the government fight the pandemic.

Malaysia today recorded 7,857 new Covid-19 cases, surpassing its highest count of 7,478 yesterday, taking the cumulative number of cases to 541,224.

This is the third consecutive day the daily caseload has passed the 7,000 mark. – May 27, 2021.