KUCHING: Many Sarawakians are apprehensive over the state government’s decision to allow foreign workers into the state beginning March 1.
Although the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) assured that their entry is subject to stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), many felt that such decision should wait for the state’s immunisation programme to complete.
Members of the public shared their opinion to New Sarawak Tribune that it would be much safer to allow the foreign workers to enter then.
Jacquline Ronald, 27, admin assistant
“The state government should open up job opportunities in the construction industry to Sarawakians instead of bringing in foreign workers. This will at least ease the burden of the people who have lost their jobs due to the unprecedented Covid-19 health crisis.”
Mohamad Ilham Abdullah, 27, administrative executive
“We may be exposed to uncontrolled outbreak if we allow them (foreign workers) in. We need to ensure that they are vaccinated and fit to work beforehand.”
Siti Norasyikin Addris, 48, teacher
“The people are still struggling for their wellbeing amidst the economic and health crises so I believe we should not bring in the foreign workers who have yet to have their health status determined.”
Mohd Khairuddin Hamdan, 31, photographer
“I disagree with the state government’s decision to allow the foreign workers to enter the state this early because it could pose a huge risk for another outbreak of Covid-19. We should wait until the immunisation programme is completed.”
Borhan Alvisenna Kuno, 22, Architecture student
“I think it’s a good suggestion for the foreign workers to come in the later stages provided they have the proper documents. If they strictly follow the SOPs, there will be less fear of another cluster involving foreign workers.”
Lily Johny, 62, Businesswoman
“We should do things one step at a time and wait until the vaccination of all Sarawakians to end before we can start allowing foreign workers in.I believe the state government means well, but allowing the foreign workers to enter now would put more pressure on the enforcement agencies and frontliners.”
Russell Lim, 27, private worker
“The decision to allow foreign workers to enter the state will rejuvenate the state’s economy. However, the state government must guarantee strict compliance with health guidelines and ensuring that there will be no outbreak involving the foreign workers.”
