We recognise that the unknown nature of the pandemic has pushed others, including the government, into devising different, novel ways in enforcing health safety protocols so as to prevent Covid-19 infection among the population. However, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting the human rights and dignity of all as we address this health crisis.

On Friday, 4 December, a government task force on Covid-19 announced law enforcers will be deployed to enforce health safeguards, such as physical distancing, in public areas this coming holidays. The patrollers threatened to use ‘yantok’ (rattan stick) to hit people violating the said health guidelines.

As such, we wish to caution the government against unnecessary use of force and actions that may lead to humiliation and trauma. Violence, even in its slightest suggestion, is not the best way to address the pandemic. Rather, government should continue to employ information dissemination to make the people understand the hazards of going out in the midst of a pandemic, as well as implement programmes guided by the sound advice of science and health professionals. Government must equally invest and reinforce protection of health care workers who bear the brunt of curing an ailing population due to this virus.

We stress that the pandemic is not a peace and order issue, but a public health agenda. The public should also be equally reminded to follow these health protocols strictly. At this point, it is quite obvious that virus already has affected the economy as well. It is true that different interests must be balanced, but human rights should never be compromised. ###