Malaysia's Efficiency in Dealing with COVID-19 Outbreaks Compared to Other Asian Countries by Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA)

Abstract

Objective: This study has been done to assess Malaysia's effectiveness in handling COVID-19 compared to other countries in South East Asia. Methods: Stochastic Frontier Analysis is capable of compiling the effectiveness of dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks according to its function and not using a specific distribution function. The highest technical efficiency score is the most efficient and reflects the ability of the country to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak, which is very well without any problems. Results: Thailand was shown to be ranked 1 (TE = 0.88341) with a technical efficiency score higher than most other countries. The score for second place is Malaysia with a technical efficiency score of TE = 0.88338, the third place score is Indonesia (TE = 0.83342) and last position is Philippine (TE = 0.67706). Conclusions: Ministry of Health took the implementation of MCO, and action did put Malaysia as the second most effective country in Southeast Asia in managing COVID-19 infection. This data hopefully, could benefit Malaysia and all other countries to handle this COVID-19 epidemic.