PETALING JAYA: With nomination day for the Johor polls taking place this Saturday, health experts are urging political leaders to set a good example by adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) released by the Election Commission (EC).

       Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said party leaders should abide strictly by the SOP, especially during house visits and ceramah during the campaign period.

       “Transmission risk is higher for house visits and we need to consider that not every member of each household has been fully vaccinated or received the booster dose.

       “Some households may have those from high-risk groups such as the elderly or children,” she said.

       Prof Sharifa Ezat added that allowing house visits was not the best idea and called on those participating to show a strict compliance with the five-person limit.

       “All members of the entourage should take precautionary measures and abide strictly by the SOP,” she said.

       She said there was also concern over compliance to the 100-person limit allowed at ceramah venues.

       “If we are to conduct such sessions according to the number of pax stated, the organisers should ensure there is ample space for physical distancing with good ventilation for the venue.

       “I also suggest the number be halved as part of measures to create a safer environment in general,” she said.

       Dr Sharifa said cases would likely increase following the Johor polls but cautioned that an amplified outbreak could occur if the SOP was not adhered to over the next two weeks.

       “Following the polls, it is recommended for everyone involved to isolate themselves and conduct self-tests as per the guidelines by the Health Ministry.

       “The onus is on us to mitigate the spread of the virus while also ensuring a safer environment for all,” she said.

       Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman similarly urged political leaders to practise exemplary behaviour within the community through strict adherence to the SOP during the polling period.

       “Although the current SOP is sufficient as the majority of the population have been vaccinated, it also requires strict adherence by all to mitigate the spread of the virus,” she said.

       She also suggested that polling personnel could take the initiative to have both symptomatic and asymptomatic voters conduct self-tests once at the station, as part of safety precautions.

       “We have the available resources but it is the willpower and responsibility of all to ensure safe conditions for casting votes,” she said.

       Dr Malina also advised vigorous self-testing by all involved prior to and upon returning from high-risk activities.

       Meanwhile, Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine said better crowd control measures could be implemented to prevent overcrowding of participants at a venue.

       “For example, organisers can prepare 100 tickets for those attending and once those tickets finish, no one else should be allowed into the venue,” she said, adding that this was already implemented in shopping malls.

       She said it would also be good for those going to vote to conduct self-tests.

       “Similarly, candidates and their teams should do self-tests daily and if someone tests positive, that person should avoid partaking in the activities.

       “Those who test negative but still exhibit symptoms should also cease from joining the activities and proceed with the Covid-19 PCR test.“At least this ensures the candidates and their teams do not spread the virus to those they meet during campaigning period,” said Dr Moy.

       On Sunday, the police urged all political parties to adhere to the SOP to avoid stern action being taken against them.

       Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said a total of 3,000 policemen and officers would be stationed at all 56 nomination centres on Feb 26.

       “We will also help Health Ministry officers patrol the areas and will issue compounds if there are any breaches of the SOP.

       “I hope all political parties and their supporters will abide by the rules to make sure the election process runs smoothly,” he said.

       Polling day for the Johor state election has been set for March 12, with early voting on March 8.

       The SOP for the Johor election, however, differs from the Melaka state election last year where face-to-face ceramah and house visits were not allowed.

       Walkabouts were also prohibited during the period as candidates and their machinery were only allowed to distribute pamphlets in neighbourhoods provided they kept a distance of at least one metre.

       Face-to-face distribution of pamphlets was similarly prohibited with candidates urged to campaign through social media.

       The current SOP for the Johor polls allows ceramah, physical campaigning and house-to-house visits throughout the 14-day campaigning period with participants being capped at 100 persons per venue with each session limited to two hours.

       House visits are also permitted with participation not exceeding five people.

       Those involved are prohibited from entering homes as the distribution of campaign materials such as pamphlets must be done outside the gates.