KUCHING: The first day of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Nov 9) was held in an orderly manner, with all state assemblymen observing Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines.
Before the sitting commenced, attendees had their temperature checked. They were also seen scanning the MySejahtera QR code before entering the DUN Complex.
The sitting began at 9.15am with the opening address from DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
“We are still facing the Covid-19 pandemic, therefore let us together practice the safety measures set by the Ministry of Health such as wearing of face mask, using hand sanitiser, and social distancing,” he said.
He urged all members of the August House to keep their mask on at all times and only remove it when delivering their speeches.
“I have also taken the initiative to install transparent barriers between the state assemblymen’s seats to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.”
Asfia also said the assemblymen were given a small liftable wooden table to allow them to put their text of speech on for easier reading.
The sitting then continued with the question-and-answer session. It also saw the tabling of the Supply (2021) Bill, 2020 by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, which will continue to be debated on Wednesday.
The Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Bill tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas was debated on and passed.
Another Bill tabled by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian on the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was also debated on and passed.
The sitting was adjourned at 5.30pm. In an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19, the sitting this time around has been shortened to five days until Nov 13, instead of the normal eight days.
