American healthcare expert praises Malaysia: 'Excellent swift action'

The government's swift action to curb the COVID-19 outbreak has earned plaudits from a US public health expert.

Physician and Public Health expert from Yale University, Prof. Dr Rick Altice said the precautions that Malaysia had taken were timely and very fast.

“They (Malaysia) have done it. They act fast, they ban outsiders (from entering the country), they practise quarantine.

“If I had arrived two days later, I might not have been able to get there easily.

"So, I think that's very important. I think they did very well and so early. It is actually proof of the efficacy of early intervention that is not happening in many other places in the world,” he said.

Dr Altice shared his views during a webinar session organised by the US Embassy in Malaysia on Thursday.

Also present at the session was the University of Malaya's Dean of Medicine, Prof Datuk Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman.

In fact, said Dr Altice, it was clear that Malaysia may not have a large number of COVID-19 cases if it successfully prevents the establishment of a religious program that was the cause of the high prevalence of cases.

“As an example of a religious gathering, it has caused thousands of people to become infected and a large cluster has emerged.

“Malaysia may not have an epidemic situation if it did not happen. It may be just an import case and will not happen (current situation) if large crowds do not occur.

“I have to say that I feel Malaysia has done its job well and they are ready to 'celebrate' it. The United States is ready to be criticized while Malaysia is ready to celebrate,” he said.

Malaysia has become one of the world's leading countries in the wake of efforts to combat COVID-19.

It included recognition from international broadcaster CGTN to Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.The government's swift action to curb the COVID-19 outbreak has earned plaudits from a US public health expert.

Physician and Public Health expert from Yale University, Prof. Dr Rick Altice said the precautions that Malaysia had taken were timely and very fast.

“They (Malaysia) have done it. They act fast, they ban outsiders (from entering the country), they practise quarantine.

“If I had arrived two days later, I might not have been able to get there easily.

"So, I think that's very important. I think they did very well and so early. It is actually proof of the efficacy of early intervention that is not happening in many other places in the world,” he said.

Dr Altice shared his views during a webinar session organised by the US Embassy in Malaysia on Thursday.

Also present at the session was the University of Malaya's Dean of Medicine, Prof Datuk Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman.

In fact, said Dr Altice, it was clear that Malaysia may not have a large number of COVID-19 cases if it successfully prevents the establishment of a religious program that was the cause of the high prevalence of cases.

“As an example of a religious gathering, it has caused thousands of people to become infected and a large cluster has emerged.

“Malaysia may not have an epidemic situation if it did not happen. It may be just an import case and will not happen (current situation) if large crowds do not occur.

“I have to say that I feel Malaysia has done its job well and they are ready to 'celebrate' it. The United States is ready to be criticized while Malaysia is ready to celebrate,” he said.

Malaysia has become one of the world's leading countries in the wake of efforts to combat COVID-19.

It included recognition from international broadcaster CGTN to Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.