SIBU: Individuals who have to travel inter-district for emergency purposes do not need to undergo a swab test when obtaining a police permit.
This was clarified by Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee to reporters while monitoring the vaccination process at the vaccination centre (PPV) at the Sibu Indoor Stadium today.
The Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister also rejected the notion among some members of the public who said that going for a swab test to obtain a police permit is a hassle.
“What was stated in the standard operating procedure (SOP) is very clear — those who have to travel out of Sibu district for emergency purposes do not need to get a swab test to get a police permit. This is because your trip, in this case is done on a one-time basis.
“But it is different for those in the essential services sector as they frequently travel and are given a two-week permit. That means they have to undergo a swab test first before being given a permit,” said Dr Annuar, who is also the Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister.
Hence, Dr Annuar urged the public not to take the procedure lightly because it could risk infections among family members and those around them.
“Please take this positively as this is a precautionary measure to protect you and your family, as well as people around you from the virus when you are constantly traveling across districts,” the Nangka assemblyman stressed.
He further added those who frequently travel can do their swab tests at any of the polyclinics here for free.
“The police will definitely issue a permit for that purpose if you have emergency matters to attend to,” he said.
