Dear MSR members,

During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, all of us here at MSR are concerned about the safety and well-being of our colleagues, partners, and the many friends who make up MSR’s vibrant global family. Our hearts are with those who have been affected personally by the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) as well as the many communities around the world that are facing extreme measures in the attempt to slow its spread.

For nearly 50 years, we have been honoured by the trust you place in us to run the society. In today’s challenging environment, we want to provide you more information as to how we are securing our society and, in turn, yours.

Given the current situation seriously affecting most of our members and their families, the MSR would like to express its strongest support to our worldwide Radiographers community and the people currently suffering from the Coronavirus pandemic.

Due to the spread of Covid-19, MSR is taking extra precautionary measures to ensure the well being of our members. In this regard, all the conference and seminar is postponed to a new date that will be determined later. After careful consideration, we’ve decided there will be no physical event during these period.

So far, most of the International conferences and events cancelled or postponed have been due to take place in March, April and May. Nevertheless, as the situation evolves every day, it is impossible to predict whether our events could be organised safely for the participants and their entourage, the hosting and all the volunteers.

Two MSR conference or events are scheduled in April 2020 – the Forensic Imaging in collaboration with UiTM (16 April 2020); and the Annual General Meeting & 50^th MSR Anniversary at Averly Hotel (18 April 2020) has to be cancelled. While it is disappointing to terminate a conference that promised to be an exceptional event, the MSR Executive Council Member (EXCO) thoughtfully considered all the factors essential to conduct a safe and successful annual conference. It is essential to outline that MSR activities entirely depend on the decisions of the local authorities, health organisations and governments and we need to abide by the procedures imposed upon all event organisers. If feasible, MSR are trying to modify the events to be virtual.

The unfolding coronavirus crisis has significantly affected the MSR activities. As destinations work to contain the spread of the virus, many countries have banned large events and mass gatherings of more than 50 people be suspended. Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of Covid-19 via participants who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities.

With careful consideration of restrictions of all gatherings and reports from Ministry of Health, MSR’s leadership and Executive Council Member (EXCO) have made the decision to re-evaluate certain MSR events and meetings schedules for 2020. The health and safety of our members and our communities are of utmost importance. We believe postponing the conference is the best option to ensure a successful event for our attendees, speakers and sponsors.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly. As much as MSR would like to carry on with the event, the health, safety and security of our members, their families, is of paramount importance to us. Like you, the MSR team is working hard to rearrange our programs to deliver successful event experiences as soon as conditions allow.

As for the South East Asia Radiographers Conference (SEARC) 2020, following increased and overwhelming concerns about the Covid-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to postponed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our members, associates and sponsors. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today.

We are still weighing the best potential path forward, and we ask you for your patience as we do so. We are committed to exploring all possible alternatives so that we can provide a productive setting where the members can engage with the latest technology, hear from vendors and make the game-changing connections that drive our society and profession forward.

Thank you.

Sawal Marsait
President
Malaysian Society of Radiographers (2019-2021)
6th April 2020