THE Health Ministry must disclose its strategy to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Sabah through testing and other means, said Anwar Ibrahim today.

The opposition leader said the Covid-19 situation in Sabah is alarming, pointing out that more than half of all cases in Malaysia since the beginning of this month were in the Borneo state.

He added the mortality rate of infected patients in Sabah is also high – nearly one-third of 190 deaths recorded in the country so far.

“Experts have indicated that we are likely to see continued increase in the number of cases in Sabah as the virus is spreading in the community. They have recommended that massive testing could be a means to identifying and isolating spreaders before the infection spreads further.

“Eight months into the pandemic, Malaysia should have the capacity to conduct large-scale testing. The Health Ministry must provide full disclosure to the public of its strategy to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Sabah through testing and other means,” said the Port Dickson MP in statement.

Malaysia today recorded 865 new cases, with the bulk of them – 453 cases (of which 250 are in prisons) – in Sabah. The three deaths recorded today were also in Sabah.

Anwar said the Health Ministry cannot single-handedly assist the already under-funded, under-staffed and under-resourced Sabah healthcare system, and called for the mobilisation of more ministries and the National Disaster Management Authority (Nadma).

He also urged Putrajaya to provide special emergency financial aid and food assistance to affected areas in Sabah to safeguard marginalised communities.

He added the government must also share data about cases, testing and mortality rates with healthcare professionals collaborating with the government in battling the pandemic.

“The lack of information prevents experienced professionals around the country from doing what they can to assist.

“A more open data policy will rebuild public trust in the government’s handling of the pandemic,” said Anwar.

Previously, various groups and political parties have called on the government to allocate more funding to Sabah to counter the spread of Covid-19. – October 19, 2020.