The impact of non-pharmaceutical intervention in controlling COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia / Abdul Rahim Isnain

This thesis presents a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in controlling the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia, spanning the critical years of 2020 and 2021. The study addresses three specific objectives: (i) assessing the efficiency of Malaysian states in managing the outbreak; (ii) determining the relationships between COVID-19 incidence and death rates and healthcare resources across Malaysia; and (iii) investigating the impact of NPIs, with a focus on Movement Control Orders (MCOs). The analysis reveals significant variations among Malaysian states, with notable improvements observed in Sabah and concerning deteriorations in Sarawak. High population states, such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, faced ongoing challenges, emphasizing the influence of population density on outbreak control. Resource disparities, as highlighted by low ratios of healthcare resources to population, contributed to the effectiveness of interventions. Model evaluation reveals vital insights into healthcare resource dynamics and COVID-19 outcomes. Notable findings include high Adjusted R-squared values (MCO Incidence Rate: 0.709, CMCO Incidence Rate: 0.716), emphasizing model reliability. The GWR indicates spatial variations, highlighting the need for localized strategies. Resource disparities, evident in uneven healthcare resource distribution, contribute to outcome disparities. The study underscores the importance of nuanced regional analyses and the pivotal role of the MCO in reducing the burden on health facilities by limiting daily cases, preventing virus spread, encouraging early treatmentseeking behavior, and enhancing healthcare facility capacity. The successful outcomes during the MCO period demonstrate the importance of timely and stringent NPIs in pandemic management. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted dynamics influencing the effectiveness of NPIs in the Malaysian context. The insights gained contribute to evidence-based strategies for future outbreaks, emphasizing the significance of local context understanding, equitable resource distribution, and targeted intervention approaches.