Don’t compromise state’s efforts

KUCHING: The decision taken by the Sarawak government for not enforcing the conditional movement control order (CMCO) first is indeed very apt because the number of Covid-19 cases is still fluctuating.

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Penguang Manggil said Sarawak should not compromise its efforts on the war against the Covid-19 pandemic because the disease is not completely gone yet.

He said it is a welcome move for the business communities that the federal government allows some economic sectors to operate from May 4, however the country is still fighting this undetected enemy.

“Just like what the Iban people say ‘Anang Guai Manjong di Pala Wong’. We should not rush to relax the MCO even though we all knew that our economy has been very badly affected and that everyone has begun to feel the pinch.

“In this regard, whatever decisions we make and measures we take must take into consideration all factors which could undermine our very battle against this virus,” he said when asked should the state stick to its existing measures without following Putrajaya’s decision on the conditional movement control order (CMCO) yesterday.

He said any mistake will be extremely costly as can be seen in some countries where the resurgence of the disease after the lock down was relaxed or lifted altogether.

“For instance, after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that their country was safe and out of danger, a second wave struck which killed more than 3,000 people.

“If we are not careful, this scenario can happen in Malaysia. Only lift the CMO when statistics assured us to do so otherwise we will regret.” he said.

Penguang stressed any exit strategy inter alia its standing operating procedure (SOP) must be made crystal clear and be effectively disseminated to the masses and must be strictly enforced by all the relevant authorities such as police, army, ministries and local government.

“The business communities including the general public must embrace these SOPs as a new norm in our daily life. Be it at home, places of work or public places.

“Meaning, for us to succeed in our fight against this menace, all of us must discipline ourselves and exercise self-policing at all times,” he pointed out.

He also called upon Sarawakians to stand hand in hand in this fight against Covid-19 so that the state can begin its road to recovery mentally, physically and financially as well.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday announced the CMCO with several economic and social activities allowed starting May 4, but subjected to a number of SOPs.