This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on April 10, 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: A vaccine for Covid-19 can only be expected in about 12 months to 18 months and that Malaysia will have to rely on more medically advanced countries to develop the treatment, the Covid Research Centre (CRC) said.

In a statement, the new non-profit research and analysis unit under the Asian Heritage Museum Group said the development of vaccine is out of Malaysia’s control and hence the nation can only hope for the best.

“Much like many countries around the world, we are sailing in uncharted waters. We have no previous experiences to rely on in dealing with a contagious disease of this magnitude. 

“We must, therefore, keep an open mind and allow various views and ideas on the policies, practices or approaches needed to be adequately debated in public. No stone must be left unturned,” said CRC.

It highlighted the important role of the mainstream and Internet media in providing a platform for these views, adding that the media must ensure all viable ideas, news and stories are accurately presented without fear or favour.

CRC said Malaysia should rely more on the relatively successful track record of its Asian neighbours, such as China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan in containing and controlling the spread of the virus, in treating and caring for their patients.

Noting Japan in particular, the non-profit body said the success of the Japanese lies in their culture of cleanliness and hygiene, highlighting their frequent handwashing, social distancing, and wearing face masks as a habit in public places even when there is no epidemic.

“We should also learn and draw lessons from the weaknesses, failures and mistakes of other countries in dealing with this pandemic such as unpreparedness, playing divisive and racial politics, living in denial, and the lack of knowledge, skills and experience needed to prevent, contain and control the spread of the virus and the lack of medical resources needed to treat their patients,” it said.

CRC urged all Malaysians to do their part in dealing with the pandemic, highlighting the importance of prevention, containment and control.