KUCHING: Info on Wheels (IOW) by the Information Department (Japen) has been carried out continuously at district-level all over Sarawak in an effort to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This ongoing effort is important and in line with the current situation following the extension of the movement control order (MCO) until April 14.
The IOW programme on Covid-19 awareness has been implemented continuously all over the state since the occurrence of positive cases in Malaysia early this year.
The Japen unit’s launch is on Covid-19 content such as the use of face masks while in public, frequent hand-washing, use of hand sanitiser, social distancing, and compliance to directives during the MCO.
In addition, the distribution of materials such as posters and leaflets on Covid-19 is being carried out at public areas frequented by people such as post offices, banks, hawker centres, supermarkets, petrol stations, and so on.
In Saratok, the community welcomed the efforts of Japen Saratok District through the initiative of announcements using the local dialect.
Japen Saratok information assistant Aini Elah caught the attention of social media users when making public announcement using the Kabong local dialect and the video went viral on social media.
This initiative directly brought a positive effect as the community were able to receive and understand the information presented through the announcement.
The Saratok District Disaster Management Committee also welcomed Japen’s efforts in making public announcement to disseminate information to the community with regard to curbing the spread of Covid-19 and breaking the transmission chain of the virus.
Subsequently, the atmosphere at markets and housing areas at Saratok were quiet, indicating that residents are complying with the MCO and staying at home.
Meanwhile, in Bau, it was found that the community responded well to the MCO and some villages also placed warning banners to curb outsiders.
On the main Bau-Kuching road, there were roadblocks by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) with the help of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela).
In Samalaju, there were numerous shops and supermarkets still operating at the Bakun junction area and there was sufficient food supply for surrounding residents.
The majority of residents, especially in the rural areas voiced their difficulties in purchasing face masks in the market during this time, and hoped that the authorities would be able to address this.
