Channel News Asia (CNA) TV had these news shots streamed across the TV screen prompter on June 11, and the same was also reported over TV8 10pm Mandarin News.

“Singapore PM Mr Lee Hsien Loong said it’s a matter of time before Mers hits Singapore and the public must know how to respond when Mers hits Singapore - because when you have a suspect Mers traveller from South Korea who had entered China, it is possible for an infected traveller ‘slipping’ into Singapore. So, that is, why it is best to be in readiness to take care of it.”

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) is a serious matter and it is fatal like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars). In South Korea there are already 10 deaths with 126 cases under medical attention etc. Also, CNA TV news had reported Mers had already hit Taiwan. And for your information, there are two Mers suspects in Hong Kong undergoing further tests. (Latest! As of late June 11) Both the Mers suspects have been cleared.)

However, reports had confirmed that there was one Mers-infected traveller from South Korea who had entered into China and as such had caused much concern to the government, to warn people there to be wary of Mers which could also hit China since scientists say that Mers could be transmitted through the air.

It was reported that a woman who had gone to the orthopaedic for treatment at a hospital in South Korea had contracted Mers, although the ward is far from the area for Mers quarantine, and furthermore she was not in contact with or nearby any Mers victim.

By the way, 75 people quarantined for Mers have been released in South China, as reported by CNA TV during morning its News today.

Obviously, it is fair to say that there are travellers from South Korea who had already entered into Malaysia in view of the heavy tourists traffic in this region prior to these revelations.

The bottom line is the Malaysian government should run right-away a comprehensive awareness campaign over TV and in the news media nationwide to educate the rakyat (people) what they should do, how to respond and, of course, know what is Mers.

Well, first and foremost, this is what the rakyat could do at the least and to avoid the rush and disappointments, is to buy face masks, gloves and other protective items. However, it is recommended that they start buying these stuff now at their own pace and time but only what they need. Do not over-stock on anything as it would create a shortage and panic buying in the market.

Secondly, do not take chances. If you are coughing, having breathing problems and have a high fever, do not try treat yourself. You should go see a doctor because it might not be dengue.

Lastly, the rakyat expect the government especially the Health Ministry to have already allocated a section of the government hospitals in the country fully set-up to treat and handle Mers cases

LAU BING is a community activist and writer in Subang Jaya.