KUCHING: Sarawak Timber Association (STA) and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worth RM2mil to help the state’s frontliners battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
The PPE comprised KN95 masks, disposable masks, goggles, face shields, head covers, vinyl examination gloves, isolation gowns (non-sterile), protective coveralls (sterile) and boot covers.
STA, in a statement yesterday, said the PPE were distributed specifically for frontliners such as doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers treating Covid-19 patients, especially those who are in the intensive care units.
“STA hopes that these contributions from the Sarawak timber industry will support surging healthcare needs and assist to relieve the shortage of PPE and critical medical equipment, while ensuring that our frontliners, who are working tirelessly around the clock to contain the pandemic, are well-protected.
“We are in unknown territory. It is imperative that we, as stakeholders, work together in unity and determination to weather this unprecedented storm.
“Both STIDC and STA hope that this donation will serve its purpose in preventing the spread of Covid-19 and save lives,” the statement read.
It also urged all industry players and the public to play their part and heed the government’s call.
“We must adhere to the precautionary guidelines issued by the Sarawak Health Department, including maintaining social distancing as well as having the highest personal hygiene standards.
“STA is pleased to say that members of STA are in solidarity with the Sarawak government in fighting Covid-19, where contributions in cash and kind have also been provided by its various members, including KTS Group, Rimbunan Hijau Group, Samling Group, Shin Yang Group, Solid Timber Group, Ta Ann Group and WTK Group, to name a few,” it added.
The donation was presented to State Health Department director Dr Chin Zin Hing by STIDC general manager Hashim Bojet, STA permanent council member Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi and STA CEO Annie Ting respectively in a ceremony at the old State Legislative Assembly building here.
The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the State Disaster Management Committee chairman.
