KUCHING: The public is urged to observe the ‘no visiting’ policy during the forthcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations.
The policy is part of the rules set by the state government and the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Last Sunday, Kuching Division Bidayuh community leader, Temenggong Austin Dimin Niyon, urged Bidayuh villages to put up signs at the entrances of their villages to inform outsiders that they were not allowed to pay Gawai Dayak visits as part of the ‘no visiting’ policy.
Marudi assemblyman, Datuk Dr Penguang Mangil, advised his constituents and the public to be patient.
He reminded them that SDMC and the state government was safeguarding their safety and health.
He pointed out two particular rules laid down by SDMC and hoped the public would abide by the ‘no visiting’ policy.
Firstly, village/longhouse relocation practices involving inter-district movements were prohibited and secondly, the holding of open house during Hari Raya or Gawai Dayak and visiting relatives’/friends’ houses were also prohibited.
“Although we have achieved many positive developments in the fight against Covid-19, we cannot continue to be sceptical or comfortable.
“We need to make sure that we continue our efforts to ensure the outbreak is over,” he said in his Facebook post on May 15.
Manggil reminded the public that the conditional movement control order (CMCO) was in progress.
“Make sure we always practise social distancing, always wash our hands, use hand sanitiser when needed, always use face masks when in public, and also do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary.
“I understand, many are disappointed they are unable to see their parents or families or to celebrate Gawai this year. But I hope the public will remain patient and understand the importance of being safe with the still ongoing war with the pandemic,” he added.
