BINTULU: As part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent Covid-19 transmission, express bus passengers and drivers are only allowed to enter the district if their RT-PCR result is negative.
Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said that express bus drivers and passengers from other districts or towns stopping in or transiting through Bintulu would now need to apply for an inter-district permit complete with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not more than three days prior.
“This is applicable to all drivers and passengers, though drivers may obtain an entry permit valid for 14 days,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday (April 5).
He added that bus operators must explain the updated SOPs to passengers, even if they are merely passing through Bintulu.
“The identities of the passengers and their RT-PCR testing history must be made available at the ticket counter and to bus drivers. The test report must be consistent with the ticket sales to show only those with negative results done not more than three days ago are allowed to board the bus.
“Otherwise, passengers, including drivers who fail to provide the report, would be required to return to their place of departure or be placed in quarantine until a negative test result can be produced.”
He urged everyone to cooperate instead of trying to sneak into the district.
“No matter where the tickets are bought, the police will do their best at each checkpoint to review the status of each bus passenger with their necessary documents.
“Once the cases are reduced, the authorities may consider relaxing the SOPs.
“Otherwise, it is important to implement tough measures until the rate of infections in Bintulu can be brought down, even at the expense of our convenience.”
