SIBU: People must remain vigilant even though Malaysia has moved into the endemic phase of COVID-19.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang said compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) should continue to be observed at all times.
According to him, this is essential as the COVID-19 outbreak now has a new variant that is sparking concern in society.
“Continue to abide by the SOPs that have been outlined by the government. This can protect yourself and others.
“This pandemic already has a new variant that has emerged in our lives,” he said when met by reporters while attending the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM) Sibu District ‘Frontliner’ Appreciation Dinner on Friday.
Apart from that, Tiang also expressed his appreciation to all the APM frontliners who worked hard to serve the country during the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in his speech, the Pelawan Assemblyman said APM is now known as a department that has an important role in disaster and emergency management.
He noted that APM is no longer just about catching snakes and sending sick people or accident victims to hospital.
“This perception to some extent drowns out the real role of its members who are fully committed to helping keep the community safe.
“Among the main objectives of the APM is to reduce the risk of disasters by providing shelter during disasters, and respond to disasters by providing emergency services,” he said.
Tiang stressed that APM bears difficult tasks and responsibilities to defend the safety and well-being of the people.
He assured that he would help the Sibu District APM to the best of his ability to further strengthen the agency.
Also present were Sarawak APM Director Abdul Wahab Ibrahim, Sibu Division Resident representative Awang Ali Borhan and Sibu District APM Officer Frankie John Jawan.
