By VOON YIH BOON
KUCHING: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has carried out its roles and functions effectively in handling the Covid-19 pandemic in Sarawak, including making various efforts to curb the transmission of the disease especially after the rising cases in Sabah recently.
This was applauded by Pantai Damai assemblyman, Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who said Sarawakians are fortunate because there is a special committee (SDMC) led by our Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to combat the pandemic.
“SDMC is important because they have been controlling the matter related to Covid-19 since the onset of this pandemic from March this year,” he told reporters after he visited Lorong 13, Kampung Bintawa Ulu, yesterday (Sept 29).
Moreover, Junaidi, who is also the Assistant Minister of Islamic Affairs and DBKU, stressed that compliance with the relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) is crucial to keep everyone safe.
“Although positive cases in Sarawak have declined since August, we shall not take the situation for granted. Instead, we must ensure that all the SOPs are adhered to by everybody in Sarawak.
“This instruction is for all parties, including me who handle Islamic affairs in Sarawak along with the state council. The State Islamic Religious Department has also received instructions from SDMC.
“We must ensure the safety of the Muslim worshippers (Jemaah) with the specific guidelines provided for Mosques and Suraus that was received from Secretariat of State Islamic Council from time to time,” he again added.
The SOPs, among other things, require one-meter physical distancing between worshippers, using facemasks, hand washing and taking care of personal hygiene.
Besides, he also pointed out that all communities must take the SOPs seriously.
Enforcement agencies such as Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and others will always give warning Sto those who violate the rules.
“For example, coffee shops must always follow the SOPs exactly during operating hours; they must arrange their chairs and tables according their sizes and distance,” he said.
Junaidi also stated that the state government has taken strict steps to control the borders to keep out illegal immigrants.
