KUCHING: Even as the nation enters its third phase of the movement control order (MCO) in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic, a small number of people continue to flout the decree.
Everyday dozens of people are arrested for violating the decree and face charges under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the local infected areas) Regulations 2020 or under the Penal Code for obstructing a civil servant (police) from carrying out his/her duties.
The offences carry with it a fine and imprisonment which are meant to be deterrent measures.
Meanwhile, millions of Malaysians are staying indoors since Mar 18, when Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, announced the first phase of the MCO, requiring people to ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’.
The MCO has since been extended twice — April 1-14 and April 15 to 28.
During these period, the people should strictly stay indoors and only set out if really necessary, such as for work (those listed in the essential services), health-related reasons or to purchase grocery.
However, despite the blaring call and sign saying ‘Do your part — Stay At Home’, to curtail the spread of Covid-19 that has been ravaging the state and country, a minority of the population have remained defiant — if the number of arrests are anything to go by.
Initially, the authorities had used the soft approach — by advising and warning those who had erred. Such approach apparently did not work, prompting the authorities to issue compounds against those found venturing out of their homes without valid reasons.
The government is obviously not amused by the increasing number of people arrested for violating the MCO. Hence under phase three of the order, the police have been empowered to arrest and charge violators which could result in jail sentences.
While it is a personal choice for a person to voluntarily expose oneself to contract the virus, it becomes a State problem if that person spreads the virus unwittingly to other people, putting their lives at stake and adding burden to the frontliners.
The present state of the Covid-19 pandemic in Sarawak is still worrying with double digit new cases reported daily. As of yesterday, a total of 403 positive cases have been recorded in the state with 14 deaths to date.
A renowned local social media influencer and comedian who goes by the name Ngek Tsai, is pleading to Sarawakians to help the frontliners — by staying at home.
The 35-year-old Pathology Medical Laboratory technologist was seen in an emotional video where he cries out his worries, expressing his concerns for the health and safety of his family the community and his fellow colleagues who are working tirelessly in fighting the deadly virus.
The challenging part of Ngek Tsai’s job is to handle specimens that are collected from suspected Covid-19 persons and Covid-19 patients.
“Some people might think that this Covid-19 issue is nothing but just another problem that may be over soon.
“If people continue to disobey the MCO, I don’t think we will win this fight,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
He said frontline staff cannot battle this alone, but need everybody’s cooperation to understand how serious the issue is.
“Aside from being a frontliner, being Ngek Tsai is also a huge responsibility for me to educate my followers to be more responsible on their roles,” he said.
He said it is a simple rule, while medical practitioners do their job, all that the people have to do is to just stay at home, and practise good hygiene, social distancing and most importantly abide by the MCO.
“It is a selfish act when people are seen elsewhere such taking a jog at the park or hangout in a large crowd.
“It is beyond selfish if a person, who has already been quarantined, still ventures out of the house. So, please be a good citizen by obeying the MCO,” he appealed.
He opined that if people continue to be stubborn, then a total lockdown would be good.
“Bear in mind that every decision made by the government is aimed at ensuring the people and nation’s safety so that we can get our normal life back.
“People can resume work, can earn money, kids can go to school, a son can go back to their parents, and once again together we can move forward,” he said.
On another note, Ngek Tsai conveyed his gratitude to the Ministry of Health (MoH) for providing counselling sessions to the healthcare workers during this difficult time.
“There are counselling centres for us to be referred to. But for now, to know the fact that we’re at a war, I am sure that everybody (healthcare workers) have to be mentally and physically prepared,” he said.
So, during this MCO period, think twice before stepping out of the house unless there is a need, ask yourself is it really necessary?
