PETALING JAYA: The fear of being quarantined if tested positive for Covid-19 has led to people being hesitant about self-testing, a trend that health experts have described as alarming.
An undergraduate who only wanted to be known as Jason said he has shied away from self-testing as he had previously been quarantined after testing positive.
“I would rather not experience another seven-day quarantine as it got boring really quick since I couldn’t even step out of my room,” said the 25-year-old from Puchong.
However, Jason said he would get tested if he has notable symptoms.
Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, it is mandatory for adult occupants of a home to immediately report any cases of infectious disease they are aware of, or face a jail term of up to five years or a fine.
Amy, not her real name, who works as a part-time cashier, was concerned about her livelihood as she had experienced being quarantined before despite not having symptoms.
The 19-year-old, who is also a part-time student, had previously used a self-test kit.
“Quarantining myself in my room felt like being in prison and I lost an entire week’s pay, so I would rather not have to do any self-test in the future unless I have severe symptoms,” she said.
Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai said the actual number of daily cases could be much higher as there were many who shared similar sentiments about self-testing.
“We are aware of many who carry on like normal even though they are Covid-19 positive. They don’t quarantine themselves, with some not even following simple guidelines like wearing face masks or social distancing despite knowing of their infectivity.
“Though the number of deaths and severe cases is low, people forget that the risk of the shortage of certain common medicines and overrun medical facilities will be higher as many seek relief from the symptoms of Covid-19 and influenza-like illnesses,” he added.
Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said most people had started to ease up on their Covid-19 precautions, treasuring the relative freedom after enduring two years of restrictions.
“There are many who value their own individual freedom over their responsibility to the community in not just Malaysia, but in many other countries.
“Paired with the increased leniency on guidelines (standard operating procedures), the risk of Covid-19 spreading rapidly is extremely high,” he said.
Dr Raj Kumar added that the government should constantly ensure both private and public medical practitioners are adequately supplied to deal with possible increases in infections as it is not feasible to go after individuals who neglect their responsibilities.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said that while she understands people’s concerns, everyone had to uphold their public responsibility to self-test and report.
This is vital to prevent the spread and mutation of the virus, she said.