The public must continue to be vigilant despite the reopening of more economic sectors and certain relaxations to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) announced by the government. The fact that 80 percent of Malaysia’s adult population have received their vaccination shots against the COVID-19 virus is welcoming and very much pleasing.
However, I cannot help but notice the lax of adherence to the SOPs by the community. Have we forgotten our fierce fight against the virus just a couple of months ago? Have we forgotten the high positive cases and deaths recorded?
I am sure we are all fully aware of this. So, why has society lowered its guard in the fight 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, thus we can throw all caution to the wind and not follow the rules.
People not wearing facemasks and not practising social distancing are a common sight. Malaysians simply choose to ignore the elephant in the room, perhaps out of fear of telling the offender off or downright ignorance. Let me remind you that this attitude has to stop here and now.
Should you come across another person not abiding by the SOPs, you have a civic duty to remind the individual to do so by informing them in a polite manner.
This complacent attitude shown and practised by some selfish people will only lead to a repeat of the worse. If the virus is able to take a human form, it would be laughing at our follies right now. It will be back to 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 thus far. Let us not waste the commitment, dedication and perseverance of our frontliners.
The ultimate price paid for non-compliance is with human lives. Innocent others 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 contracting the virus happens only to the other person.
Yeap Ming Liong
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Ipoh Echo.
