KUCHING: Local authorities will be empowered to close premises under their jurisdiction in a move to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
A legislation known as Order of Closure of Premises to Control the Spread of Infectious Disease is being drafted to allow local councils issue closure order on errant premises. It will be enforced under Section 18(1)(d) and (f) of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the closure order would be issued to business premises identified with positive cases through MySejahtera application history. The order will also be enforced on business premises found to be not complying strictly with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We have drafted the document and it has been put forward for the ministry’s approval. Once it is endorsed by the ministry, we will be able to enforce it.
“Business premises which were visited by positive cases and as listed in the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) report will be issued this order. They are required to close their business premises for sanitation and disinfectant works.
“All of the employees and employers must go for Covid-19 screening and they will only be allowed to resume operation if the result comes out as negative,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday.
As for business premises that are found not complying with the SOPS especially violating the operating hours and social distancing, Wee said that the local councils could issue the order of closure for a duration up to between 10 and 14 days.
There will be challenges in the enforcement of this order, but it is necessary given the severe Covid-19 situation in the state, he added.
“As one of the local councils, we have to be proactive and alert on the situation and as such we can take immediate actions to break down the chain of transmission. We do see a lot of challenges but what choices do we have?
“I am sure there are people who will be supporting us because it is better than going into the strict movement control order (MCO),” he asserted.
Wee also said that failure to comply with the requirements of the order would be an offence under Section 22(b) of Act 342 and upon conviction under Section 24(a) of the same Act, the offender would be liable to a jail term not exceeding two years or a fine or both.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said it is a good idea if local councils are given the legal power to impose and issue such measures.
He also said that the local councils were ready to cooperate, contribute and help the government in the fight against Covid-19.
“The local councils know the ground and the locals better than others. Within their respective jurisdiction, the local council’s enforcement teams know the locals well, both in terms of matters pertaining to their behaving and misbehaving,” he added.
