KUCHING: A relaxation of the movement control order (MCO) can take place in Kapit seeing as it has been Covid-19 free, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing.
However, he said in order for this to happen, there must be no movement from Bintulu and Sibu.
“We can keep a strict lockdown on Kapit by strictly guarding its two main access from Bintulu and Sibu. No one out, no one in, without legitimate reasons,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
He said only essential services vehicles could pass but with stringent controls at the entry point.
“We may need to work smart to overcome the MCO, so that certain elements of normalcy can return in areas where they are coronavirus-free.
“We can lift the MCO, area by area when the government deems it fit to do so,” he said.
Masing, who is also Baleh assemblyman, said slowly, Sarawak could revert back to normalcy.
“We need not strictly follow Putrajaya’s orders, after all one size does not fit all,” he said.
Should the MCO in Kapit be relaxed, he said some of the economic activities that could operate would be tamu, coffeeshops and restaurants but for takeaways only.
“Banks could open as well, but with limited workforce and with limited opening time,” he said.
He stressed that social distancing must still be followed and no gathering of more than two people, and people must still put on face masks.
As at 12pm on April 8, besides Kapit, the Health Ministry said 16 towns and districts were declared green zones.
They are Asajaya, Baram, Bau, Belaga, Dalat, Daro, Julau, Kanowit, Lundu, Song, Saratok, Lubok Antu, Meradong, Pakan, Tatau and Selangau.
Kuching and Kota Samarahan are classified red zones, having above 41 positive Covid-19 cases.
