Malaysia - Serious Covid 19 Wave

I deeply pray that the escalating spread of Covid 19 in Malaysia is better controlled, overcome and resolved. However, how can members of the public better protect and manage themselves, should the epidemic escalate? The public and private hospital system can go into operational chaos and rupture, buckling by the sheer numbers of patients. Are managers of such facilities already preparing, securing vital equipment and supplies, while also revamping their work processes, retraining their staff and enhancing their business continuity plans? Foreign governments can impose tighter restrictions on movement of individuals who have been in Malaysia. For Malaysian nationals overseas, they may have to delay their return to their home country. The higher education sector around the world and in Malaysia itself has vested interests already shaken up in 2020 - and a serious rampage of Covid 19 within the nation itself can make things worse. If the public health scenario deteriorates in Malaysia, neighbouring Singapore faces a double edged sword of consequences. The island republic has served admirably well as a refuge from turmoil. What is different now are the higher risks of infection for a well developed island that is only separated by two causeways from the Malaysian peninsular. This has manifestations in the procurement of supplies, trade, political relationships, shipping and transport management. At the same time, Singapore's attraction as a beacon for investment, financial stability, reliable governance and an excellent medical services hub can be enhanced. Will some nations rush to help the Malaysian people and government in such a time of need? The UK, EU, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore are most likely to help. What about the able Islamic fellowship nations and members of ASEAN? The Federation of Malaysia also poses unique angles of management, as it is separated by the South China Sea into two geographical areas. Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, has recently experienced a spike of new Covid 19 cases each day - and so have Selangor, Johor and Kelantan sited on the Peninsular. Will the varying political treatment of each state by the central government play into the effectiveness of helping out the common person on the street, caught up in the ugliness and confusion of an epidemic? Are there sufficient supplies already available of testing kits, vaccinations and numerous items required in anciallary medical services? There is also a risk in heightening racial, religious, cultural and social sensitivities during a period of a health crisis. The social demographics are another spanner in the works, as already experienced before Covid 19 arrived. Earlier waves of Covid 19 affected specific groups of Malaysians, but the recent outbreaks have become more pervasive and embracing. Will there be sufficient leadership and innovative approaches to curtail the relentless spread of this Coronavirus as soon as possible? A strong infection wave will also further weaken the economic and financial structure of a country that depends on investment growth, exports, tourism, agriculture and petroleum resources. Malaysia plays a smaller role than India in providing call centres and corporate accounting support, but can have its reliability damaged in such services with a Covid epidemic. The durian plantations have already suffered with curbs on international border entry, collapse of tourism and restrictions on air travel in the past 15 months. What is next? 7 May 2021 #yongkevthoughts