KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail tonight called on people not to spread fake news on the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak that affecting the world, including Malaysia.
She said such a move could create uncertainty towards implemented efforts which would lead to panic and further worsen the situation.
“I also want to share with all of you here that I went to visit frontliners at KLIA, klia2, the Ministry of Health and others who involved. We are indebted to them for taking such a high risk.
“Therefore, please don’t share false news and incorrect information. Let us come together to overcome the problem as we are not alone in facing the infection,” she said in her address at Insaf Malaysia Technical Relief Organisation’s dinner here.
She said the government had complied with the Standard Operating Procedure in ensuring every step taken was in accordance with the directives by the National Security Council and latest information issued by the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health.
“The Cabinet also has implemented several strategies to bar the entry of tourists and bring home Malaysians from Wuhan, apart from mobilising the country’s health institutions to do its best to curb the spread of the infection,” she said.
At the same time, Dr Wan Azizah who is Insaf patron said the government would welcome any initiative from voluntary bodies to proactively relay information to the community in addressing the virus infection.
She said the humanitarian aid ecosystem in Malaysia should involve various stakeholders such as statutory bodies, corporates, political organisations and mass media, to further ensure the effectiveness of the assistance given.
“We may not be able to cope with various disasters and problems entirely by relying on aid and actions of just certain bodies.
“Instead, we should leverage on all strength and expertise of all parties to ensure the assistance could be delivered to victims quickly and safely,” she said.
Insaf is a non-governmental organisation that carries out humanitarian aid activities for the less fortunate due to disaster and poverty, inside and outside of the country. — Bernama
