KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) recently announced the extension of the movement control order (MCO) in Sibu and conditional movement control order (CMCO) in other districts.
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas warned that although there was a downward trend in the state’s Covid-19 cases, this was no reason for the people to be complacent.
He also said that the Covid-19 situation in the state was far from over.
New Sarawak Tribune talked to several members of the public for comments.
ELYA NADYRA, 28, (Public Relations and Science Coordinator)
“This is a noble short-term sacrifice in order to avoid a long-term public health disaster. There is a good possibility of us succeeding in flattening the Covid-19 curve, provided that everyone stays safe, takes all the precautionary measures and adheres strictly to standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines.”
ALYSHA NURIA ANUAR, 29, (Document Controller)
“I hope that the state government will continue the prompt action and efforts to curb the number of Covid-19 cases. I believe that it is important to continuously monitor SOPs within the communities and perhaps carry out mass testing as well as aggressive tracing regularly.”
AINA SYAHIRAH ABDUL RAZAK, 23, (Student)
“This is the right decision, especially with the Chinese New Year around the corner, because it will remind and discipline those celebrating to be cautious. Although it is sad that we had not been able to celebrate festivities since last year, I think it is more important to ensure that our beloved state is free from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
NUR AIMI KHALIDAH HAMZIR, 24, (Student)
“It is a wise decision because it has proven to be effective in curbing the number of Covid-19 cases. This will make it easier to control movement and detect those who are Covid-19 positive, preventing them from unknowingly spreading the virus on a larger scale.”
PAUL PATRICK BERUNDANG, 26, (Doctor)
“SDMC made a good call because this will limit the movement of positive cases and halt the rate of transmission across divisions in Sarawak. With much more stringent enforcement as well as cooperation and SOP compliance from citizens, this will definitely help to decrease the number of new and active Covid-19 cases.”
SONG ERAOU, 21, (Student)
“I fully support this decision because it is a necessary step to reduce transmission of the virus. Unfortunately, this will be an inconvenience and may bring hardship to others. If we work together, I’m sure we can find ways to curb the pandemic and to help those in need.”
