KUCHING: The decision taken by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to release data of the time, date and location visited by Covid-19 positive cases is to ensure that people are aware should they be exposed to the virus.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said anyone who felt that he/she had been at the same place at the same time as visited by a Covid-19 positive case, should come forward to be screened at the nearest hospital or health clinic.
“Today, I saw a comment from a politician on this matter, and I feel that he does not really understand our purpose of releasing the data,” he said after visiting the Bandar Riyal Market, in Kota Samarahan today.
Uggah, who is also SDMC chairman, said before deciding on releasing the data, they had discussed it carefully including on the pros and cons.
“As such, we have decided it is important to inform the public so that if they feel they have visited the place visited by any positive cases, then they must go for the Covid-19 screening.
“This is our purpose, we do not have other purposes. And we do not have any intention to cause difficulties on shop owners, but I feel that the shop owners would also want to know where and when the positive cases had gone to,” he said.
He therefore hoped everyone would cooperate with the government in the fight against Covid-19.
“Just recently, we have seen many in Sibu coming out to get screened and there were 10,000 samples taken. This is the spirit that we want to encourage.
“So, please come forward if you are worried that you have visited a place where there is a positive case reported,” advised Uggah.