By Nia Natasha Hasenan
KUCHING: Sarawak police are ordered to tighten the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the duration of the recovery movement control order (RMCO) period following the rise of Covid-19 cases in the state recently.
It was found that the non-compliance of SOPs usually occurs in rural areas, where those who attend social events do not wear face masks and do not adhere to social distancing.
These actions can then pose a risk of the transmission of the virus if SOPs — which were meant to help contain the spread of the virus — are not adhered to.
Sarawak Deputy Commissioner of Police, Datuk Dev Kumar MM Sree, stressed that outdoor gatherings are not permitted and compound notices would be given on the spot to anyone found breaching the SOPs.
SDMC has also emphasised on lowering the capacity for meetings for social and official purposes to 50 percent and must strictly adhere to the SOP set out by the government.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to some people for their views on the subject matter.
Generally, they all consented to tighter laws. They also want an awareness programme to be offered to those in rural areas to help them understand Covid-19 better.
Muhammad Khalil, 23, student
“In my opinion, the government must enhance or at least tighten the enforcement of compounds imposed on offenders who violate the SOP. The one who implements the policy needs to ensure that it is being followed properly and must not be biased.”
Siti Mariam, 51, housewife
“We should punish those who are violating the rules, perhaps an imprisonment. Maybe by adding up a fine value to further tighten the SOP will scare the people off. Other than that, by tightening patrol control in village shops and eateries can also help to reduce the numbers of people who are stubborn. People can also spread awareness, by sending NGOs to certain villages and campaign to tighten the SOP.”
Qurina Ramlan, 57, housewife
“I think we should tighten the rules more firmly. If the fine is still not enough to tighten the SOP, it can be added to a higher number so that people will be scared to break the rules.”
Lieutenant Thong, 59, frontliner
“You have to protect yourself and think of protecting others. Like us, we have to make sure after 14 days the people are healthy to go out. I have a family as well and I have been here since March. Those in quarantine are only there for 14 days, so please work together to break this chain. You can control from breaking the rules. Please abide to the SOP.”
Majlan Junaidi, 54, site operator
“I suppose the government or any NGOs in charge can hold a meeting with the head of the household under one programme to talk about the dangers of Covid-19. This can give them awareness and how important it is to practice the SOP. Other than that, monitoring ca be conducted by authorities such as the police and Health Ministry from time to time.”
Jasmin Jeffri, 21, student
“In my opinion, high fines should be imposed if you do not wear a face mask because the public seems to care about money more than their own lives. And also give out a serious warning like they can be put in jail if they are violating the SOP. In addition, the government should provide face masks in public places so that there is no reason for the public not to wear them.”
