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M’sians Have Been Using Superhero Aliases For Contact Tracing, Gov Pleas For Them To Stop

M’sians using superhero aliases when registering at business premises


malaysians using superhero aliases cover pic
Images for reference only
Image adapted from: @symackz and EdgeProp

Since the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) started 2 weeks ago, Malaysians have been required to register their personal details whenever entering a business premise – be it a restaurant or a shopping mall. This was part of the new SOP proposed by the government so that if contact tracing was to be done, they could easily refer back to the list of visitors or customers.

However, it seems that Malaysians are not taking the procedure as seriously as they should as many have been caught jotting down fake names. The authorities have even found that superhero aliases were especially popular, with “Superman” and “Batman” being some of the most common. In response to this, the government is pleading Malaysians to be truthful when giving out their personal details.


Will only cause problems for contact tracing


Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob highlighted the importance of giving out accurate information to shopkeepers or tenants as this would be the only way to contact the individuals concerned in the event a fellow diner or patron has tested positive for COVID-19. By giving false names and phone numbers, you may inadvertently drag out the government’s efforts in tracing and containing the COVID-19 spread.

malaysians required to give personal details
Image adapted from: EdgeProp

During Yaakob’s briefing yesterday, he said that Malaysians have been writing down “Superman”, “Batman”, and “Badang” as their names. While it may have been intended as harmless jokes, doing this will only cause a bigger issue to arise if a COVID-19 case is detected in the same premise.

datuk seri ismail sabri yaakob
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob urges Malaysians to observe SOP set for CMCO
Image credit: Malaysia World News

In regards to this, some Malaysians have voiced out privacy concerns as some businesses require patrons to jot down their MyKad number and home addresses. However, most businesses have only resorted to this because of the number of Malaysians giving out false information. Yaakob reaffirms that the only details needed are your name and phone number.


Superhero aliases are a no go during CMCO


You can choose to be some of the strongest superheroes like Hulk or Thor, but these mere fictional names won’t help you with the battle against COVID-19. And you’ll be causing even bigger problems for local authorities who need to track you down in the possible event that you have been exposed to a confirmed patient.

In this joint fight against COVID-19, we have to work together with the government by observing the CMCO rules in order to ensure containment efforts will be smooth going.

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