KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has urged Sarawakians to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols that have been set especially for the festive seasons in order to prevent a second wave of Covid-19.
He said the Hari Raya atmosphere this year would be different from what have been practised because of the need to adhere to SOPs during the conditional movement control order (CMCO) period.
“We are not allowed to visit the mosque to pray the Sunat Aidilfitri, it is not advisable to visit relatives and close family in large number, the celebration is allowed on the first day only, there is no open house, not allowed to greet (bersalaman) and social distancing are required.
“Therefore, take this as a test and our responsibility to ensure that this Covid-19 outbreak would be tackled as soon as possible,” he said in his special message in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri today.
He noted that several economic sectors had started to reopen since May 12 and thanked the people for adhering to the SOPs set for business premises and at workplaces.
“As a government that is concerned with the hardship faced by the people since the MCO and CMCO was enforced on March 18, the Sarawak government has implemented the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 to ease the burden of every Sarawakians.
“It cannot be denied that some have lost their jobs due to the closure of almost all sectors during the three phases of MCO. As such, I hope this assistance would be able to lessen the burden of the people,” he said.
The chief minister said a total of RM2.6 billion had been allocated for the implementation of the three special aid packages.
“Almost all Sarawakians aged 21 and above will receive the assistance as the government strives to be inclusive for the benefit of all citizens.”
He said the government had also made efforts to provide food assistance to those especially in the rural and remote areas when the MCO came into force. In addition, the government also provided two million free masks to the people and RM10 million to provide personal protection equipment (PPE) to the healthcare workers.
“The BKSS programme is a short term initiative to assist the people and the business sectors. As a government that also thinks of the long-term impact of Covid-19 on the state’s economy, a long-term programme has also been formulated to ensure Sarawak’s economy continue to grow until 2030.
“Sarawak’s post Covid-19 programme was introduced with special focus on digital economy and environmental sustainability putting emphasis on nine sectors such commercial agriculture, production, mining, forestry,
tourism, basic infrastructure, services, Data Centre, innovation and renewable energy,” he pointed out.
He added the Sarawak Economic Action Council was also formed to seek inputs from various sectors and stakeholders, and he hoped the inputs received would be fine-tuned to provide for a solid foundation in preserving and strengthening the economy.
“As such, I call upon all Sarawakians regardless of race, religion and political backgrounds to work together to preserve the unity and harmony among the people in the state.
“There is nothing more beautiful than the happiness, prosperity and harmony of the state of Sarawak to be enjoyed by all Sarawakians and all Malaysians as a whole.
“Let all celebrate this day with a spirit of goodwill regardless of our backgrounds. Continue to respect each other’s religion and culture,” he said.
Abang Johari said in view of the pandemic he was unable to hold any open house and to receive guests this year.
“But everyone of you are always on my and Datuk Amar Juma’ani’s mind. With this and on behalf of my wife and family, we would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf Zahir dan Batin to all people of Sarawak,” he said.
