THERE is no need for the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to carry out random checks on the Covid-19 status of people in business premises, the Malaysian Medical Association said.

MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai criticised Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, who yesterday said that enforcement officers would take action, under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 1988, against anyone failing to comply with current regulations, which come into force today.

“MMA sees no need for such heavy enforcement at this stage as we are in the middle of transitioning into a state of normalcy.

“This type of strict enforcement was necessary in the early stages before the population was vaccinated and hospitalisations were high. We have improved significantly now in the management of the pandemic,” Koh said in a statement today.

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry had scrapped the need for people to use the MySejahtera app when entering a business or at any public place from today.

He said anyone, regardless of vaccination status, can go anywhere, except for people who are Covid-19 positive and subject to a home surveillance order (HSO).

Yesterday, Nanta said that random checks at business premises would be carried out throughout the country to stop the spread of virus.

“Businesses are well aware of the effect Covid-19 can potentially have on businesses and therefore we should trust business owners and the people to take all necessary precautions.

“Such strict enforcement can even be viewed as regressive and will invite widespread resentment. We really should be gradually moving away from restrictive policies.

“After two years of the pandemic, the people should by now, know what they should be doing to protect themselves, their families and their income,” he said.

He advised the public to follow the prescribed Covid-19 guidelines and practice self -discipline to avoid a surge in cases.

Meanwhile, Koh also said the enforcement of the act be left to officers from the Health Ministry, given that the state of emergency has long since been revoked. – May 1, 2022.