Netizen deplores MAEPS quarantine centre


The MAEPS quarantine centre in Serdang has been sparking a ton of discussion on the Internet, as videos and photos of the facility’s conditions circulate wildly on social media.

Some have lamented that the centre is crowded and dirty, while others have come forward to debunk the negative rumours, citing that it is well-maintained and comfortable. Adding to the debate is a netizen who shared a lengthy post on her Facebook profile, detailing the dreadful conditions at the quarantine centre.


Leaking toilets, overflowing bins, and cold food among list of concerns


The netizen whose profile name is Lucy Mole – who is likely British – uploaded a post just yesterday, listing down all the negative things that she observed and had to endure as a COVID patient at the MAEPS quarantine centre.

outside view of MAEPS quarantine centre
Image credit: Lucy Mole

She wrote that she first had mild symptoms and was recovering well at home. Not long after, KKM picked her up and admitted her into the quarantine centre, a protocol that’s compulsory for all COVID-positive patients in Malaysia.

Upon arriving at the centre, Mole recounted that she was taken to a large hall where temperatures were freezing cold, and camping beds were arranged closely next to each other, making it difficult to practice social distancing. Face masks and hand sanitisers weren’t provided as well.

camper beds at MAEPS quarantine centreImage credit: Lucy Mole

She said that the water was leaking in the toilets, and that water shortage occurred regularly too. She also took issue with the lack of soap and tissues, because she said hundreds of people frequent the washrooms, and that made for really unhygienic conditions.

toilet queue at MAEPS quarantine centreImage credit: Lucy Mole

Other complaints she had included overflowing bins, filthy water dispensers, lights being turned on 24/7, and unappetising food as it’s always dry and cold.

food provided at MAEPS quarantine centre
Image credit: Lucy Mole


Frontliners overwhelmed with increasing number of cases


3,027 new covid cases on 7th january
Image credit: KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA

Despite the poor environment at the centre, Mole acknowledged that our frontliners are doing the best they can to provide care for the patients. In fact, they are severely overwhelmed, with only two doctors taking care of more than 2,000 women and children.

“Risking their lives and being away from their families, I have a lot of respect for all the frontliners,” she wrote.


New COVID cases hitting 3,000 now


With our frontliners overwhelmed, hospitals at breaking point, and daily new cases surpassing 3,000 now, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham himself has said that he fears the worst is yet to come.

It is of extreme importance that we do everything we can to prevent ourselves from getting infected for the well-being of our frontliners and community. Stay home at all costs if possible, avoid travelling out of state, and remember to practise strict SOPs if you do have to be out.

Keep reading for more COVID-19 updates in Malaysia:


Cover image adapted from: Lucy Mole

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