Thousands gathering for a fair organized by the government has raised concerns of further coronavirus spread.
The “100-Day Malaysian Family Aspirations” event launched yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, or KLCC, and attended by the prime minister himself, took place amid the Health Ministry’s latest advice to remain vigilant against the new coronavirus variant, Omicron. Attendees were required to be fully vaccinated but did not have to test themselves for COVID-19.
Those who reacted to photos and videos of massive crowds at the event organized by the Education Ministry had dubbed it as a potential “superspreader.”
“Dear @KKMPutrajaya @Khairykj. This frightening event makes all the prevention messages & work of the past 2 years of no avail. As though we have learnt nothing. A Delta & Omicron super spreader event,” pediatrician Amar Singh wrote online, addressing Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who just last week advised the public to step up on safety measures.
Malaysia detected its first Omicron case last week in a student who had traveled from South Africa and transited through Singapore.
The overwhelming response to the start of the four-day event, featuring exhibitions boasting the government’s achievements, along with cultural performances, job fairs, and interactive activities, was likely due to the ministry publicizing the event widely on its social media channels. The Education Ministry today asked attendees to register themselves ahead of arrival by filling out a form.
Other than Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Finance Minister Zafrul Aziz and International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali were also there, as well as the police and law enforcement volunteers.
The event appears to send conflicting messages to Malaysians, who have been threatened with lockdowns and severe penalties should they violate COVID-19 rules, which include social distancing and limits on gatherings.
“Threatening lockdowns but on the other hand, close your eyes to these that can/might become superspreader events,” Twitter user Wchuin said.
The event runs till Sunday.
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