Sarawak allocates RM2 mlm to procure Covid-19 pill Paxlovid as preemptive measure against potential surge

Abang Johari addressing the audience at 'The Life of Datuk Polycarp Sim Cheng Mong' book launch ceremony at a hotel in Kuching on Dec 20, 2023. Photo credit: Ukas

By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong

KUCHING, Dec 20: The Sarawak government is allocating RM2 million for the procurement of Paxlovid, an oral anti-viral medication for Covid-19, in preparation of a possible surge in cases which Malaysia has experienced in recent weeks.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg disclosed that this has been decided following a meeting with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas yesterday (Dec 19).

“We are going to place an order for Paxlovid to ensure sufficient stock in case there is a surge in cases in Sarawak.

“This pill (when taken in early stages of symptoms) can prevent symptoms from becoming severe in several days,” he told reporters after officiating at the ‘The Life of Datuk Polycarp Sim Cheng Mong’ book launch at a hotel here today.

Abang Johari emphasised that Paxlovid will be supplied to both public and private healthcare facilities across Sarawak.

Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 are strongly advised to promptly obtain Paxlovid, which will be prescribed free of charge.

On whether the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will issue a health protocol to manage the surge in Covid-19 cases, Abang Johari said Sarawak will follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

“However, we must enhance our preparedness to face the possibility of a surge, similar to our past efforts where the Sarawak government spent on procuring Covid-19 vaccines for the people,” he added.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has announced that Malaysia will not reactivate the Movement Control Order (MCO) despite a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, reaching a total of 20,696 new cases nationwide during Epidemiological Week 50 (Dec 10-16, 2023) – a 62.2 per cent increase from the previous week.

On protocol for Covid-19 positive case management, individuals testing positive are required to undergo isolation or a Home Surveillance Order (HSO) for five days from the onset of symptoms.

In Sarawak, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian pointed out recently that the State has also witnessed a staggering 171 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases, with 310 reported cases during Epidemiological Week (EW) 49, spanning from Dec 3 to 9.

Urging the public to revisit precautionary measures, especially the use of face masks in crowded areas and maintaining high standard of personal hygiene, he emphasised the importance of vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens and those with critical illnesses, receiving their second booster dose or the fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. — DayakDaily