THE Health Ministry has denied misusing the MySejahtera application to track down Medan 88 residents who fled the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) imposed on Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the government app was only used to conduct contract tracing when there is a Covid-19 positive case.

“It is not true we are using the app to track those who fled in Salak Tinggi. 

“The app belongs to the ministry. We will use the app when there is a positive case and the data collected through the app is to assist us in contact tracing,” he said.

Noor Hisham said his ministry will protect the privacy of users and utilise the app only when needed. 

It was reported yesterday police were using the app to find some 400 Medan 88 residents who were said to have left the area before the lockdown came into force.

An EMCO in Medan 88 started yesterday and will continue until November 25, which would involve 88 shop lot units, 284 premises and 800 residents. 

Noor Hisham also urged the 400 residents missing from Medan 88 to come forward and be screened for Covid-19. – November 13, 2020.