KUALA LUMPUR: The armed forces is ready to combat Covid-19 in the five states with high infection rates.

       Efforts to manage and remedy the situation in Sabah, Johor, Kedah, Penang and Kelantan will be a priority for the armed forces, said Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       “As I mentioned previously, among the main thrusts of the armed forces is to fulfill the national agenda in combatting the virus.

       “The armed forces have sufficient infrastructure, assets and expertise, and they are ready to be deployed at any time,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

       On Wednesday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government would shift its Covid-19 focus towards the five states that have seen a rapid rise in infections.

       Sabah, Johor, Kedah, Penang and Kelantan will be given a boost in terms of vaccine supply and human resource deployment.

       Hishammuddin said the armed forces were prepared to help in efforts especially in constructing field hospitals at those states.

       “The field hospitals will be able to provide treatment to Covid-19 patients, especially those at stage three and above. I believe the armed forces’ help will ease the burden of the Health Ministry in such states,” he added.

       He said the armed forces were ready to deploy the vaccination teams in the five states, especially in rural areas, adding that feedback was welcomed from all on Covid-19 standard operating procedure. (SOP).

       The Senior Minister, who has been appointed to lead the pandemic management efforts under the National Security Council, said among his tasks is to evaluate and update the SOP from time to time.

       “I believe this is a continuous effort and it needs an inclusive approach,” he added.

       Hishammuddin said the public could forward their suggestions to him personally via platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.