COVID-19: Are we ready for UV light disinfection tecnologies?

By Rozlin Rusharmeen Rosmin

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 -- In the midst of fighting the deadly COVID-19, this might be the best time for the government to explore the implementation of disinfecting technology using ultraviolet (UV) light in Malaysia. 

As COVID-19 pandemic has killed almost 300,000 people worldwide, undoubtedly, it has opened the eyes of various parties globally and here in Malaysia. 

Therefore, with the practice of the new normal that has been repeatedly urged by the government, this kind of technology can be seen as one of the new norms of how the disinfection process should be done.

“As of now, the product is new to the market globally. The challenge with the adoption of the product here in Malaysia currently will be the lack of understanding in regards to the product in the market, causing a gap in possible consumer trust towards the products.

“For instance, Signify is working together with relevant authorities on disinfecting technology using UV light. We have innovated a comprehensive portfolio of UV lighting that can be used to physically disinfect surfaces targeting bacteria, viruses, and fungal spores and as a result, render them harmless,” Head of Supply Chain of Signify in Malaysia, Sriram Sheshadri, told Bernama. 

He said such a product is versatile as it can be used within water and air purification systems or as integrated UV modules.

Furthermore, it can be installed in various locations.

As Malaysia is slowly lifting its Movement Control Order (MCO) and getting people back to work, proper sanitation in public spaces, apart from good personal hygiene, is indeed one of the fundamental keys to the looming threat of COVID-19.

Hence, with the current COVID-19 pandemic, Sriram said such technology is a great innovation that is highly relevant right now that can help disinfect surfaces especially in high traffic spaces like malls, train stations and supermarkets.

On top of that the government's support on the use of UV technologies is much needed in order for the public to be properly aware of its safe application before being able to adopt and adapt to the product. 

Previously, it was reported that Singapore has produced over 200 mobile robots to disinfect surfaces using UV light that will be rolled out in shopping malls, as well as the healthcare and transport sectors by the end of the year, as a way to fight the spread of COVID-19.

According to the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the Delhi airport has used mobile towers, handheld torches and baggage tunnels that deployed UV rays to disinfect surfaces, as a way to combat COVID-19 and for passengers’ safety. 

Meanwhile, Sriram also noted how impactful COVID-19 is towards businesses in the long-term, including those running technology companies, not just locally, but worldwide. 

“This pandemic has evidenced how important it is to keep overhead costs at a minimum. Signify will focus on supporting this process by offering our innovative solutions more aggressively as the MCO ends. 

“The government, on another note, should increase effort to advocate the use of LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs in homes and offices after the MCO to help minimize energy costs and increase comfort and productivity, especially with the recession forecasted to follow the pandemic,” he added.

-- BERNAMA