KUCHING: Residents in areas subjected to the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) are warned to avoid sneaking out of their respective areas via existing rat trails (jalan tikus).
Addressing netizens’ concerns on the matter, Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said by doing so, they pose the risk of spreading Covid-19 to the outside communities.
She added that attempts to sneak out of EMCO areas are not something new nor is this the first time this has happened.
“Based on our experience, yes, it is true. When this happens, we will also make sure these rat trails are blocked.
“For EMCO in Kampung Bintawa Ulu and Bintawa Tengah, the Marine Police are also deployed to monitor the river area (Sungai Sarawak),” she said at a press conference after visiting the EMCO operations centre in Kampung Bintawa Ulu and Bintawa Tengah here on Monday (Mar 22).
Fatimah was commenting on viral posts in social media saying that the residents of Kampung Bintawa Ulu and Bintawa Tengah tried to sneak out through the rat trails.
However, she said the situation is now under control by the enforcement officers who guarded all entrances and exits to the two villages, including the waterways.
Fatimah also alluded to an issue regarding health workers who were allegedly abused by the villagers by being pelted with stones.
She said the action may be due to the residents feeling depressed or disappointed with their current situation.
“We hope this does not happen again because these health workers are just performing their duties.
“It’s true that the swab test is a bit painful or uncomfortable, but it needs to be done. We hope the people here understand and give full cooperation to health workers,” she said.
She added that due to the incident, health workers are accompanied by police personnel for all subsequent swab tests performed at the houses of the affected residents.
