July 21, 2022
PETALING JAYA– While most Malaysians have not ditched MySejahtera, they do have a laundry list of features that they wish could be added to the public health application.
Checking in via MySejahtera when entering premises is no longer compulsory starting May 1, although some shopping malls, supermarkets, and shops are still asking customers to display their MySejahtera status before entering.
Shaima Abdul Salam, 34, said she would never delete the app as it contained important Covid-19 vaccination records, which are recognised by many foreign countries. She was also pleased to discover that the app had been updated with new features such as user health data and childhood immunisation records.
“Now, I can even put in my health record such as my BMI (body mass index) and health screening results.One feature that would be nice to have is if we could make medical and dental appointments at government clinics and hospitals through the app, just like how we booked our Covid-19 vaccinations,” she said.
Insurance underwriter Azhnol Amriel, 25, wished the app had a more rapid tracking and notification system that would immediately let users know about potential Covid-19 hotspots.
“It would make it easier for me to change my plans on the fly without having to purposely open the app as I’m driving around,” he said.
Retiree Lee Peng Song, 70, suggested adding an online shopping function for the benefit of the elderly, adding that it would allow him to compare prices of medical supplies and buy them from nearby pharmacies and have them delivered.
As for business owners, although they do not wish to resurrect the mandatory MySejahtera check-in rule, some said the app could still play an important role in public health.
Hobby shop owner Eugene Teo, 23, felt that there was little point in the continued use of the app.
“That’s because most of my customers and employees are already vaccinated and well versed in Covid-19-related guidelines.”
Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president and media liaison officer Jeremy Lim said that as Malaysia moved into the endemic phase, MySejahtera still had an active role to play, but it had to evolve.
“Our association is supportive of the Health Ministry’s intent of not making check-ins mandatory. In turn, we urge the public to turn on the MySJ Trace function instead.
“This will give the public enough warning if they come in close contact, and they will be able to take the necessary steps to self-monitor. However, the MySJ Trace will only be powerful if everyone turns it on.”
Lim added that more important than the app’s role was the part that Malaysians must play actively.
“We cannot rely 100% on the government to be the ‘big brother’; instead we have to take ownership of our health,” he said, urging those who were unwell to self-test, isolate and report if positive with Covid-19.