KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 181 Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) have been reduced to only one general SOP with nine guidelines but it is subject to the Prime Minister’s approval, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       The Senior Minister said he would bring forth the proposed general SOP and nine guidelines prepared by the National Security Council to the Special Committee headed by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for approval before its announcement.

       “The move to reduce the SOP is in line with the country moving towards the endemic phase,” he told a press conference at the Defence Ministry yesterday.

       While he could not go into details, Hishammuddin said the general SOP was connected to measures to prevent the spread of the disease such as the wearing of face masks, checking in via MySejahtera and being fully vaccinated.

       “The nine guidelines encompass activities at various sectors,” he said.

       While the government had introduced various relaxations, Hishammuddin said it was vital for the public to adhere to the SOP.

       “Reducing the number of Covid-19 SOP is part of the move to make them easier to comply with and understand.

       “We hope the public remains disciplined in abiding by the SOP so that the relaxations do not disrupt our plans to move into the endemic phase,” he said.

       Hishammuddin also said the government was mulling further relaxations but it would depend on the effects of those already announced earlier.

       “All relaxations come with conditions, so I hope the public can strengthen compliance with the SOP,” he said.

       The minister also reminded the public not to take anything for granted and make full use of the relaxations announced.

       “Stay firm and practise TRIIS,” he said, referring to Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek.

       On the current situation with anti-vaxxers, Hishammuddin said he agreed with the statements by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and the Prime Minister.

       “The government is not targeting any party but in the efforts to fight the disease, it is important not to worsen the situation, for the sake of the masses,” he said.

       On a separate issue, Hishammuddin also announced that he had interacted virtually with participants of the Gold 2021 joint military exercise (BG21).

       “The exercise was conducted at the South China Sea from Oct 8 until Oct 18 involving all countries of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA): Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia.

       “It was conducted physically and virtually in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the FPDA’s formation, which will be celebrated on Thursday, which Malaysia will be hosting,” he said.

       A total of 2,647 personnel and 48 military assets from the five countries were involved in the exercise.