As Malaysia is preparing for the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-April, frontliners are faced with several challenges as the number of cases soar.

Among those obstacles is the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) or hazmat suits when handling patients.

On Monday, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin was seen joining a public disinfection operation in Petaling Jaya while donning a hazmat suit for a photo op.

Not a good move

Her selfish act has triggered a nationwide backlash not only from Malaysians but from politicians as well.

Was this even necessary?
According to The Star, former deputy Health director-general Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman has lambasted the minister for wasting resources and public fund for publicity.

"What a waste, the money spent could well be used for other more meaningful purposes - for example, hospital staff members having to prepare their own PPE when they should be managing patients,” Dr Lokman said.

Meant for frontliners, not you.
He added that the publicity stunt has also caused a risk, as social distancing was not practiced during the session.

Several other politcians also critised the Ampang MP's decision to don the suit.

Netizens, too, were not pleased with Zuraida’s stunt and unleashed their wrath on social media.

To our ministers, this is definitely not the right time to focus on you; it’s time to focus on the people, the frontliners, and the country.

Every step you make today will be remembered for decades to come.