KOTA SAMARAHAN: Traders and shop owners here have shown full compliance to the set standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the movement control order (MCO), said Datuk Peter Minos.

The Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman said although some needed necessary persuasion to close down operations, none had refused as soon as they were reminded of the rules issued by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

“It was a bit hectic and confusing on the first day, some were not too sure of the new rules but after hearing from our enforcement team and the police, they were well informed of the details of the MCO.

“In the end, all of them complied (with the SOPs),” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday (May 30).

Minos added that the local community had also shown commendable compliance to the set SOPs.

However, he pointed out that during the recent festivities, some were lenient towards the SOPs and rules.

“This explains why Kota Samarahan got hit pretty badly by the Covid-19 pandemic recently. This was quite regrettable and sad. More hard work for all, especially the health ministry (MOH).

He added that chairing MPKS was no easy task in view of the many challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s not easy to jaga (look after) a municipal council with many challenges. However, we can only do our best even in facing many constraints of funding and manpower.

“We must do what is good for the people and Sarawak,” he added.