What do you get when you combine an uncertain society and a pandemic? Many baseless rumours and claims.
While this may not be as big of a problem in Singapore (because…POFMA?), it sure is a big problem in Malaysia.
Fake News in Malaysia
Due to how easy it is to spread fake news via social media outlets such as Facebook and messaging platforms, this issue remains widespread in Malaysia despite warnings from the Malaysian health ministry.
In recent days, there have been false claims about COVID-19 circulating in Malaysia.
An example of a false claim being spread includes a “cure” for Covid-19, which can be created out of everyday household products. Some even believe that consuming herbs, healing oils and even honey can help in preventing one from contracting the virus.
Some former Covid-19 patients have also admitted that while recovering from the virus, family members sent them fake information on how to have a faster recovery.
Miracle Cures
According to The Star, some of these “miracle cures” are simple concoctions which are made with almost anything you can find at home.
One former Covid-19 patient revealed that an “important tip” was shared with him was to drink young coconut juice with lime and a spoon of salt. This would allegedly cure anyone with the virus in an hour. If it sounds absurd, it definitely is, but this tip has been shared widely amongst WhatsApp groups.
Another revealed one idea that really stood out to her. She was told to try montoku, which is a rice wine and alcoholic. This allegedly cured someone quick enough for them to be discharged from the hospital in days.
Some other remedies include drinking an orange-flavoured drink with a raw egg twice a day.
If only life was that simple.
Home Remedies
Despite the many warnings from the health ministry and public figures, some Malaysians still believe in “alternative” methods to cure one of the virus. Apparently, online sellers have been trying to sell home remedies for Covid-19.
One woman who promoted an anti-Covid-19 bracelet for RM600 ($197SGD), was slapped with a RM50,000 ($16,414SGD) fine due to her baseless claim.
Big yikes.
Unfortunately, this did not scare away online sellers. Instead, it made them more careful about their claims.
For example, an online seller marketing bottled fig and olive oil claims that it can be used as a means to prevent Covid-19 infections. He also claims that it can be used as a remedy for people who are prone to strokes and high cholesterol.
Needless to say, these claims were not medically proven.
Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar disputed claims of home remedies for Covid-19, and these sellers were simply trying to profit.
In fact, he also mentions that most viral infections resolve itself or gradually disappears from the body. While he does note that alternative medicine and some other home remedies can cure other types of illnesses such as sore throats, it cannot be used for Covid-19.
As of now, Malaysia has 65K cases – yes, our closest neighbour now has more cases than us.
Featured Image: Siti Nur Sahira / Shutterstock.com
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