KUCHING: One of the causes of the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak is lack of compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) especially at gatherings.
The state government, therefore, pleads with everyone to strictly adhere to the SOPs.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said as of Monday (April 19), public affairs such as funerals had given rise to 3,612 positive cases from eight clusters, with 31 deaths.
“Other gatherings such as family get-togethers, birthday and farewell parties, festive gatherings, events such as gotong-royong (communal work) and cock fighting, had resulted in 22 clusters, 1,053 positive cases and five deaths,” he said.
He said this during a press conference at his office, Wisma Bapa Malaysia today on the enforcement of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Inter-district travel is also a main contributor to the spread of Covid-19. Since January this year, there have been 506 positive cases detected and eight clusters formed due to inter-district travel (Import C),” he said.
That is why, after evaluating the increasing case numbers of Import C cases, Abang Johari has instructed the enforcement agencies such as the police, State Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPN), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), and the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) to tighten control over inter-district travel.
“Therefore, starting today, only essential services are allowed to cross zones with the permission of the police,” he said.
In his advice to the public, the chief minister said that while the enforcement agencies are issuing compounds to SOP violators, it is best for everyone to comply with the SOPs.
“Only with the cooperation and awareness of the public can we win as we did in the past. Yes, we can and we will win,” he said.
He also conveyed his appreciation to the frontliners for being so selfless in handling the pandemic, and to the public for being cooperative and for adhering to the SOPs.
“As long as the vaccine is not available to everybody, the entire globe will have to live with the pandemic.
“Therefore, I urge everyone to remain vigilant, stay healthy, stay safe and adhere to the SOPs,” he said. Among those present at the press conference were Deputy Chief Minister and State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Local Government and Housing Minister and SDMC advisor Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
