EVEN in light of this escalating global pandemic, with Covid-19 infections and deaths still rising, several countries have started to ease lockdown restrictions and more are preparing exit strategies to guide citizens, businesses to survive in the conditions of the new normal.

The easing of lockdowns include allowing mass gatherings, although with strict adherence of social distancing, wearing face masks and washing hands with soap and sanitisers still maintained.

The spike in Covid-19 infections in Malaysia with 190 new cases on March 15 and 125 the next day triggered an alarm for Malaysia’s health policy makers and politicians.

Following this, the government instituted the movement control order (MCO) from March 18 to 31.

With review by the National Security Council (NSC) and Health Ministry, three subsequent MCOs were instituted, with the last two being conditional MCOs as there were several easing of restrictions – allowing non-essential businesses to operate and gatherings of up to 20 family members for Hari Raya, Kaamatan and Gawai festivals.

Following from this announcement, there were mixed responses. A number were overjoyed to have the opportunity to once again meet family members whom they have not seen or met since the first MCO while there were large groups who were gravely concerned of the repercussions this potential mass gatherings would have on the trend and impact of the pandemic for Malaysia.

This fear may have been substantiated or exacerbated from the recent report by Bahrain’s Ministry of Health regarding 16 family members who contracted coronavirus from one infected relative during a Ramadan iftar gathering.

The family members did not comply with precautionary measures including avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks and social distancing,

Presently the issue of allowing this gathering has unleashed debate among experts.

As a case in point, The Star reported a group of medical specialists has expressed concern over the decision to allow small gatherings under the CMCO during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season.

The group cautioned that allowing these gatherings could undo the progress Malaysians have so far made in the battle against Covid-19 and called for a review of this policy.

It also reminded the government of “the immense difficulties and massive resources needed to do contact tracing”.

In appealing to the government to review the relaxation on its policy for gatherings, the group proposed that face-to-face Hari Raya celebrations should only be among family members residing in the same house.

And just today I had received via WhatsApp from a group of my husband’s old boys group in Kulim, Kedah about an article in Malaysiakini headlined “Mungkin lockdown masa Aidil Fitri pencegahan yang terbaik?”.

Prime minister special advisor Dr Jemilah Mahmood has tweeted if MCO should be enforced as a measure to prevent a spike in Covid-19 case in Malaysia.

Thus as a responsible as well as worried citizen, observing the grave concerns of highly respected and professional groups and Dr Jemilah striving to raise their views on this matter, this has prompted me to write in to appeal to the prime minister, his cabinet, especially senior ministers with authority to make and reverse decisions as well as the National Security Council and the Health Ministry to kindly review and reverse the decision for 20 people to gather on first day of Aidil Fitri, Kaamatan and Gawai – as it could spark fresh clusters of infection and deaths.

With God’s grace, let us plan for our festivities for 2021 under a safe and peaceful environment. – May 20, 2020.

* Sheriffah Noor Khamseah Al-Idid Syed Ahmad Idid reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.