KUCHING: Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) is concerned over the spike in Covid-19 cases from the Bukit Semuja Immigration Depot in Serian.
It urges the relevant authority to request all detention centres to observe the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat the spread of Covid-19.
SPA chairman Datuk Dr John Lau Pang Heng said that it was alarming to note there were 75 detainees staying in a single room at the Bukit Semuja Immigration Detention Depot.
“If the detention centre follows the SOPs where the inmates practise social distancing, we believe the chances of one being infected by Covid-19 will be low.
“Will the officers in charge of the detention centre be penalised for not following the SOPs?
“Alternatively, we hope the authority will strengthen the preventive measures to monitor people entering Sarawak illegally at this time,” he said in a statement yesterday (March 29).
SPA also called on the Health Department to pay more attention to public transport hubs such as bus terminals, airports and ports.
“Strengthening the SOPs particularly at the bus terminals will minimise the chances of Covid-19 infected passengers moving in and out of the cities or towns,” he said.
Lau added it was good to note that the government had requested companies and manufacturers to send the names of their workers to the Resident Offices for enrolment in the vaccination programme.
“Healthy workers will ensure continuous production. And manufacturing plays a vital role in strengthening the economy,” he said.
As the country had been battling the pandemic for over a year, Lau said it would be good if the government was transparent in revealing the strengths and weaknesses of managing Covid-19 for the past 12 months.
“This will enable us to learn from mistakes and move forward competently. Fighting Covid-19 is everybody’s responsibility.
“What bigger role does the authority want Sarawakians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), political parties and community leaders to play in order to effectively destroy Covid-19 in Sarawak?
“Sarawak is our home; everyone has a responsibility. Let us stay healthy,” said Lau.
