THE public must continue to be vigilant despite the reopening of economic sectors and relaxations of public health orders. It is a welcome fact that 80% of Malaysia’s adult population have received their vaccination shots against the Covid-19 virus.

However, I cannot help but notice the general lack of adherence to the SOPs. Have we forgotten our fierce fight against the virus just a couple of months ago? Have we forgotten the high number of infections and deaths?

I am sure we are all fully aware of this. So why have we lowered our guard against the pandemic? Please do not have this lackadaisical mentality.

I liken the situation to a boxing match. We have the edge now with the advantages of the vaccine in our corner of the ring. Do not for one second assume that the vaccine gives us full immunity against the virus and that we can thus throw caution to the wind and not follow the rules.

People not wearing masks and not practising social distancing are a common sight. Malaysians simply choose to ignore them, perhaps out of fear of telling the offender off or downright ignorance. Let me remind you that this attitude has to stop now.

Should you come across another person not abiding by the SOPs, you have a civic duty to remind the person to do so in a polite manner.

This complacent attitude shown by some selfish quarters will only worsen the severity of the crisis. If the virus were able to take a human form, it would be laughing at our follies. We will be back in square one if we do not buck up and fix the wrongs.

There is no place for arrogance and there is certainly no room for ignorance in our fight against the virus. Let us not throw away what we have achieved so far. Let us not waste the commitment, dedication and perseverance of our frontliners.

The ultimate price for non-compliance is life. People have lost their fight with the virus. Let us truly embrace and practise the concept of being a “Malaysian Family”. Let us unite and battle the pandemic as one and not as selfish individuals who think that infection only happens to other people. – September 24, 2021.

* Yeap Ming Liong reads The Malaysia 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.