SIBU: Positive cases under home quarantine are reminded to be honest and not to breach the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapaee gave the reminder during a virtual session to update the Sibu District Covid-19 case on Saturday (Sept 25).
Dr Annuar, who is Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee (SDDMC) coordinator, warned that any patient who violated the SOP would be severely punished by the relevant authorities.
He explained that the penalties were in accordance with Regulation 17 (1) Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures in Local Infected Areas) Regulation 2021.
“Based on the rules, Covid-19 patients may be fined not more than RM50,000 or jailed for six months or both,” said Dr Annuar, who is also the Assistant Minister of Science, Education and Technological Research.
He revealed that he had received complaints about individuals who were found to be disobeying the order.
He explained that the order was set by the director general of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) which set the fine to be imposed on anyone found to have disobeyed it.
“While there are laws like this to prevent individuals from violating them, the most important thing is to make the community aware of the need to help each other to stop the spread of the disease,” he stressed.
He advised individuals who felt uncomfortable being quarantined at home due to their home lacking the necessary facilities, to contact the relevant authorities to be transferred to the Covid-19 quarantine and low treatment centre (PKRC).
Meanwhile, Dr Annuar also urged those who have close contact with positive cases to isolate themselves at home to avoid infecting others should they be found to be positive.
“The home quarantine period is usually 10 days and most cases are now asymptomatic.
“Quarantine yourself if you have close contact. If your residence has shortages, please contact us and we will help you.
“You have to be honest so as not to infect others,” he advised.
On Saturday, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) reported that Sibu district recorded 320 positive Covid-19 cases.
Of the total cases, 114 cases or 35.63 percent were in Category 1 while 206 cases or 64.37 percent were in Category 2.
