WE are in uncertain times. We are combating an infectious disease in Covid-19 that threatens to wipe out the human population, and in Malaysia, just as we thought we were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, our long-lost foe dengue has emerged, bringing another accomplice in chikungunya.

In a twitter post during the first phase of the MCO, I had warned that we must combat Covid-19 wholeheartedly, but let’s not forget about dengue as we saw a mild peak in cases during that time. It was honestly expected, by me at least. Why? 

When people stay at home, they tend to consume more, rubbish tends to pile up, especially where high-density housing is concerned. This adds to the risks of rain and water stagnation that is the perfect environment for dengue to breed. Let us not also forget that many abandoned construction sites are to blame as they tend to have water in containers lying around.

Nevertheless, here we are, combating another infectious disease after one wave of the other was just subsiding. An even bigger worry is the latest results of the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2020 that shows the rising numbers in non-communicable diseases in Malaysia, especially diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, all of which are predisposing factors to permanent disability/conditions like end-stage renal failure and stroke. 

As a medical professional who has been advising society on numerous occasions, I feel very responsible. But, I must share this syndrome, which has become prevalent in our society, for both non-communicable and communicable diseases. It is the “tidak apa” syndrome. Sadly, we did not learn it in medical school and neither is there a known cure for it.

Malaysians have to wake up and smell the coffee/cow-dung/stench of our attitude towards healthcare. We have been blessed with choices, a good healthcare system (one of the best in the world), alongside a very good parallel system of the private and government sector, leaving the people spoilt with choice for healthcare support (of course, this also depends on the depth of your pockets). 

We have a system that has provides us with the yearly Perkeso screening. Not enough? The tax system offers us RM500 rebate in our taxes for health-related screenings. How many of us have opted to take up these options? Many of us don’t. Why? That dreaded disease, the “tidak apa” syndrome. Wake up Malaysians: the statistics don’t lie. Please stop the, “This is another propaganda by medical companies to make money” or “There are better traditional medicinal cures”. We both know deep down what the actual fact is. There are people in this world, begging and hoping to be blessed with a healthcare system like ours, but here, we do nothing to appreciate it, despite the numerous attempts to get the general public to screen themselves. 

Ask yourself: when was the last time you had a general health screening? When you have a fever, do you take it seriously after two days? Sometimes, we are all guilty of the “tidak apa” syndrome. Unfortunately, time has dealt us not only non-communicable diseases, but also communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are serious and the “tidak apa” syndrome will cost us. “Aiyah, just wash hands only, no need to do again lah”, despite handling garbage bins or bags. 

Do you still take social distancing, hand-washing, hand hygiene, disinfecting materials, masking yourselves, sneezing practices, the practice of SOPs and adhering to the new recommended stringent norms seriously? Are we out of the woods? We aren’t yet guys! Do not awake the sleeping lion!

The truth is, for both non-communicable and communicable diseases, Malaysians have become the real frontliners now. If you don’t screen for non-communicable diseases like diabetes or hypertension, we won’t know that you have it and we cannot help you medically. If you don’t come to us with a fever, we won’t know if you are infected with Covid-19, dengue or chikungunya. If you don’t come to us for medical advice on your, perhaps, early mental health disorders, we cannot assess and refer you early so that you do not progress to severe stages.
 
Wake up Malaysians! Help us help you. This “tidak apa” syndrome is, honestly, a harder disease to treat than Covid-19. Only you have the antidote – a change of attitude towards your health is a good tonic! – June 23, 2020.

* Dr Arvinder-Singh H.S. is a medical officer currently pursuing a PhD in Community Health.

* 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.