The Malaysian Health Coalition is deeply disappointed by the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Exemption) Order 2021, which is effective from 9 February 2021.

It basically states that any cabinet minister returning from any overseas official visit shall undergo a three-day quarantine only, instead of the ten-day quarantine for ordinary Malaysians.

The justification provided by the health minister does not sufficiently explain the rationale, science, evidence or facts behind this decision.

Therefore, we can only take it at face value, and we oppose this Order in the strongest possible way.

The Exemption Order institutionalizes double standards that undermine the national effort to curb COVID-19.

Double standards that are not based on science or evidence erode public trust in the SOPs.

They will worsen the trust deficit between the rakyat and politicians. Health professionals cannot fight COVID-19 without public trust and confidence in the health system.

We urge that this Exemption Order be immediately revoked.

Malaysian Health Coalition