Kuala Lumpur January 17 TMI news — THE Covid-19 virus is more infectious as modern transport has improved tremendously over the years, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“The ease of movement from one place to another has allowed people to transfer the virus and infect others more quickly,” said the 95-year-old on the Astro Awani morning news show today.
Dr Mahathir was asked to compare the Covid-19 and Nipah virus pandemics in Malaysia.
Malaysia had similarly suffered a Nipah outbreak from September 1998 to May 1999. The outbreak, which was quickly contained, infected 265 people and killed 105.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic has so far infected more than 150,000 people, and killed 594. Malaysia continues to see four-digit numbers of daily cases.
Dr Mahathir said Malaysians can reduce the risk of becoming infected with Covid-19 by following strict health protocols and the standard operating procedure.
“I have been able to avoid infections by taking tests every two weeks to check whether I am infected or not.
“Although there are 222 MPs in Dewan Rakyat, there have been no infections as everyone follows the SOPs.
“If there are any infections, they caught it outside Parliament and not inside,” said the Langkawi MP.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said he kept fit and healthy during the MCO by staying active.
“I still go to work every day and watch what I eat,” said the former prime minister.
“My advice is eat just enough and stop when it gets tasty. This way, we can avoid obesity and all the other medical problems that come with it.
“Take me for instance. I have been 62kg for the past 30 years,” said Dr Mahathir.
He said he still works eight to 12 hours a day, meeting people and reading reports.
