In the fight of coronavirus, tracing the past direct contact of a positive Covid-19 patient is the key.
A tracing app developed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, named Gerak Malaysia, is ready to be put to test. The app is currently in the beta stage and it uses location tracking to trace.
Gerak Malaysia was invented basing on the tracing models implemented in South Korea and China.
To sign up the app, it only requires some basic details, such as full name, IC number, address, mobile number, and email.
And to get it going, one just needs to keep the app running and have their GPS access made available for the app.
Another function of the app is QR code which helps medical front liners and authorities to enforce the MCO.
For example, when you are visiting the hospital, it will indicate your risk level based on your recent contact and allows the front liners to assign you to the right queue.
While roadblocks, it helps the police and armed force to identify whether you are traveling within the allowed radius.
About Data Privacy issue, one need not worry. The app collects and maintains an anonymous record of places where you have been. The information is stored at MCMC's secured local server.
The app also has stated clearly that the intended usage of the app is only up to a period of 6 months after MCO is lifted and commercial usage is strictly prohibited as well. Once the crisis is settled, the system will be deactivated and all users would be asked to remove the app.
Overall, Gerak Malaysia appears to be an app that Malaysia needs right now and this is how contact tracing should be done. It uses anonymous location data with multi-agency endorsement and it is also supported by telcos.
This is an important app to us as it could help us prevent the spread of the virus. However, naturally, the app will be effective when more people are using it.
Although the app is only in Beta version and is undergoing tests by local telcos, you may still able to find it and test it out :
> Apple AppStore <
> Google PlayStore <
News source from Malay Mail.
