PETALING JAYA: Despite the emergence of the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant in Thailand and Vietnam, health experts are confident that Malaysia’s current vaccination rate and standard operating procedures (SOPs) provide sufficient protection.

       Universiti Malaya virologist Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar said the current procedures listed by the authorities were sufficient as long as there was strict adherence to SOPs by the public.

       “It is important to continue adhering to the SOPs as a precautionary measure.

       “Similarly, our vaccination coverage also provides ample protection against the ill-effects of the variant,” he said when contacted.

       Dr Sazaly, however, said the RT-PCR tests should still be prioritised with samples taken for molecular surveillance.

       Public health medicine specialist and epidemiologist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said Malaysia should be wary of the BA.2 sub-variant especially with the reopening of borders.

       “Surveillance and monitoring, especially towards new variants or sub-variants such as BA.2 should be done continuously to assess the clinical significance and severity of the virus,” he said.