STARTING today until Saturday, Covid-19 positive voters will receive messages via the MySejahtera app to fulfil their responsibilities in the state elections.

Introduced by the Health Ministry and the Election Commission, the guidelines are aimed at helping such voters participate in voting during their isolation period and minimising the risk of disease transmission.

Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Haasan said voters will receive messages instructing Covid-positive individuals to contact the district health office or health staff at the voting centre before going to the polling station.

“It is aimed at ensuring health officers in the districts are ready to manage Covid-19 patients at the polling centres,” he said in a statement today.

The elections in Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan are scheduled for Saturday. Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election will also be held on the same day.

Radzi advised Covid-positive voters to arrive at the polling centres two hours before voting ends to reduce the chance of interacting with others.

Covid patients are advised to avoid using public transport and always wear a mask at the polling centre, except during identity verification when they are required to briefly remove it.

“They are also advised to maintain a safe physical distance at all times, especially when interacting with officers while the mask is removed,” he said.

Radzi said after voting, they should immediately leave the polling area and maintain self-isolation until the home surveillance order period ends.

“For those receiving treatment at the hospital, they are allowed to be discharged at their own risk to vote, provided they follow the specified procedures,” he said.

“However, the hospital will not provide transport. So patients are advised to use their own vehicles to get to the polling centres.”

He said other voters are recommended to always practise social distancing and use hand sanitisers.

“Voters are encouraged to wear masks, especially for those with symptoms or when in confined and crowded places. Get the Covid-19 vaccine quickly to lower the risk of infection, illness and death, particularly for high-risk groups,” he said.

Radzi said the ministry is monitoring the Covid-19 situation locally and internationally while ensuring that healthcare services are well-prepared. – Bernama, August 10, 2023.