PETALING JAYA, Oct 18 (Sin Chew Daily) — Many Malaysians are keen to serve the country in the battle against the coronavirus.

In less than two days, the call for help by the health ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on Facebook has been shared by more than 6,500 people.

More than 1,000 commented on the post in which Noor Hisham had urged healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, microbiologists, environment health personnel, medical assistants, laboratory technicians, radiologists and others not from the ministry to come forward to help the ministry fight the third wave of COVID-19 infections.

Some netizens said they had submitted online forms pending verification by the health ministry.

Albert Ling, a medical school graduate, wrote on Facebook: "Please use us, there are plenty of us in master's class. Classes and exams can wait."

Other netizens commented that they wished to volunteer even though they were not doctors.

Ajira Hakim, who has just completed his secondary education, wrote, "I am 18 and have completed SPM. I am keen to be a volunteer. I realize that the ministry of health is shorthanded. If possible, I am willing to help the ministry look after fellow Malaysians."

Aishah Afandi, another netizen, said, "Like other members of the public, I am keen to help although I do not have the relevant medical knowledge. I believe there must be something I can do, such as checking the stock of personal protective equipment, distribute food and handle documents."

Hanzalah Zulkeflee, a teacher, said as classes are now conducted online, he has more time now and is looking forward to joining others as volunteers.

In his Facebook post, Dr Noor Hisham said volunteer' tasks included checking body temperature and symptoms of travellers at airports and quarantine centers, tracking people who have been exposed of the virus as well as taking care of patients at hospitals.

Those who qualify to be volunteers can sign up online http://forms.gle/BinMRNpyKhnoosgt5.

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