SIBU: Chinese cemetery associations here have been urged to monitor closely the movement of people during the upcoming Qing Ming Festival.
The divisional disaster management committee (DDMC) coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee today said he hoped that standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) would always be adhered to.
“We in Sibu do not want any clusters or infection from this festival.
“I recommend that the associations monitor closely proceedings during the festival, which is on April 4,” said the Assistant Local Government and Housing minister.
Associations should also provide the MySejahtera QR code or record book for families to register their presence at the graves of their departed loved ones.
“We understand that some cemetery associations here are reluctant to shoulder such responsibilities as they do not encourage families to visit the graves during Qing Ming.
“Since the Sarawak DMC has given the green light for the festival, families are required to strictly adhere to SOPs, all cemetery associations in Sibu should provide the MySejahtera (QR code).
“My suggestion is that if they don’t have MySejahtera or record book, at the very least, the association should complete a Google form so that those who come to visit the graves can easily register themselves on the association’s Google form.
“I believe there is no need for every family member to register, but only the head of each family.
“That way, Sibu DDMC will be able to contact the head of the family to check who was with them during the visit if any Covid-19 cases are detected later.”
He did not deny that he was worried about the possibility of a new cluster and therefore reminded everyone to practise physical distancing during the tomb festival.
The Nangka assemblyman also suggested that the associations enlist the help of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) or volunteers to ensure compliance with SOPs.
