PETALING JAYA: Added precautions are needed to ensure that Covid-19 cases do not spike due to a prolonged campaign period for the Johor state polls, say medical experts.

       Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) health economics, hospital and health management Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said that those involved must stay vigilant.

       “All personnel involved with the polls must be fully vaccinated and boosted.

       “Equally important is to avoid bringing unvaccinated people during campaigns, especially young children and those with high risks,” she said when contacted yesterday.

       She added that face-to-face campaigning by candidates, if allowed, might pose a danger owing to the recent high number of infections.

       “Those involved in face-to-face campaigning must do pre- and post-self tests.

       “Also, face-to-face campaigns should only be allowed for small groups and in venues or areas with good ventilation,” she said.

       Dr Sharifa noted that Johor currently had one of the highest rates of new cases in the country.

       Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine said that it was crucial to put proper standard operating procedures (SOP) in place during the campaign period.

       “If all SOP are followed and monitored, extending the campaign period by a few days will be all right.

       “It is recommended that virtual campaigning be carried out as we do not want to increase mobility or gatherings which could see a surge in the Covid-19 cases,” she said.

       She added that it would be advisable for voters to do a self-test before heading for the ballot boxes.

       “Those not vaccinated or have yet to get their booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so.

       “This is to prevent further infection or cases developing severe symptoms,” she said.

       Dr Moy also said that voters who tested positive but did not show symptoms could be allowed to vote at specially set-up booths similar to what was done during the Melaka polls.

       Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said he did not agree with the extended campaigning period due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.

       “I think it is not worth getting infected and all that could cost more to taxpayers,” he said.

       Universiti Malaya professor of epidemiology and public health Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal expressed concerns that the polls could be the catalyst for the next wave of cases due to the Omicron variant.

       “I suggest postponing any elections to the middle of the year. If this is not possible, it may be better to have both state and general elections at the same time with a very short campaigning period,” he said.

       He noted that SOP compliance tended to decrease during political campaigns.