KUCHING: More socio-economic activities will be allowed under certain standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) period.
Hence, State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Monday has announced that all sectors involved in providing 24-hour services are allowed to operate in the state.
“This includes petrol station, 7-Eleven, and 24-hour eateries. However, the management must comply with the guidelines and SOPs,” he said during SDMC’s daily Covid-19 update.
He said all non-Muslim places of worship will be allowed to reopen on June 20 where the relevant SOPs has been discussed and approved to be distributed by the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor).
“State Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) has also released the guidelines for marriage ceremonies throughout the RMCO that was approved by SDMC,” he added.
He also announced that the Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development has also submitted the SOPs for reopening of kindergartens where it is currently being refined.
“Kindergartens will be allowed to operate beginning on July 1. Detailed SOPs can be obtained from the ministry,” he said.
Uggah emphasised that the reopening of the aforementioned activities was due to the flattening of the Covid-19 curve in the state where it can be seen that there are very few cases as of late.
“This is a good development. It seems that our war against Covid-19 is showing success. Our approach and movement in handling this issue has also been effective.
“This is due to the cooperation shown by Sarawakians who understood the importance of their roles in this war against Covid-19,” he said.
However, Uggah noted that the war has not yet been won and he appealed to the people to follow the SOPs as closely as possible.
“It is difficult. But if we looked back at all the sacrifices we have made previously; it has been beneficial in the war against Covid-19.
“This is the only sure way to victory. If we are complacent, disregarding the SOPs, or refuse to make sacrifices, we can see there is a possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 cases such as those in other countries,” he added.
