JOHOR BARU: Media members who are on the ground covering the Johor election are not spared from Covid-19, as more than 10 people from various news agencies have tested positive so far.
Radio Televisyen Malaysia broadcast journalist Nur Aqeela Arbaen said testing positive for Covid-19 on Feb 25 meant that she was forced to miss out on nomination day (Feb 26).
"According to my work schedule, I was supposed to be stationed at the Election Commission command centre at Persada Johor for live-cross reports to bring the latest election coverage to viewers.
"It was unfortunate, as I was excited for nomination day as it is an important start to the election campaigning period.
"I had prepared my script, analysis and did my research on the state’s political situation for the big event,” she said when contacted by The Star Wednesday (March 2).
The 30-year-old said she was initially a close contact to her father, who contracted Covid-19 from his work place on Feb 22, and subsequently three of her siblings tested positive, as well.
"I felt left out when I saw my colleagues running around for news assignments and I cannot wait to return to work.
"In the meantime, I am following the latest news updates so I can ease into the action when I end my quarantine soon,” Nur Aqeela added.
Mohd Fahmi Yusuf, 34, meanwhile, is disappointed about missing out on a chunk of the state election after he tested positive for Covid-19 on Feb 26.
He recalled getting home that night with a flu so he performed a Covid-19 self-test, which returned positive, and he immediately confined himself in his room to avoid putting his wife at risk.
"It is frustrating to test positive during this period, which is one of the busiest times for the media fraternity.
"I have covered general elections and by-elections previously, though this is my first state election.
"While observing my home quarantine until March 4, I am working from home and helping to edit articles, monitor online ceramah and process press statements,” said the Johor Baru-based Free Malaysia Today journalist.
He reminded media peers to always adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP), while performing their hectic tasks.
"Be careful about removing your face masks, especially when eating at crowded places such as political events, and always keep a safe distance from others,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Kluang-based Sin Chew Daily reporter Dorcas Tew said the first thing that crossed her mind when she found out she was positive for Covid-19 on Feb 28 was not about the virus, but her work.
"The election is a busy and important period, so naturally I am concerned about my work, as we need all the manpower we can have to make sure that our news agency does not miss out on any news.
"Thankfully, I have two other colleagues in Kluang who are able to cover for me while I recover from Covid-19 symptoms, including a bad sore throat,” the 33-year-old said, adding that she was willing to assist her team remotely once her health allowed her to do so.
A check by The Star found that 13 reporters, videographers, photographers and radio DJs have been infected by Covid-19 since the dissolution of the Johor state assembly on Jan 22.
Johor Media Club president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak reminded media practitioners to comply with the stipulated SOP to avoid unwanted incidents such as Covid-19 infections and even compound notices from the authorities for flouting the rules.
"So far, the club has distributed 20 sets of Covid-19 self-test kits to our 140 members and constantly encourages them to perform daily testing as we get nearer to the polling date.
"A private hospital in Johor Baru recently handed over 500 sets of self-test kits, hand sanitisers and facemasks to the club and we will be distributing the items to the media members to keep them protected while performing their duties,” he said.
Polling day for the Johor election is set for March 12.