KUCHING: Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah has urged the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to make interstate inbound travel to Sarawak easier while ensuring the safety of the travellers and the people in the state.
“I fully support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s announcement on the lifting of the interstate travel ban. However, strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as getting fully vaccinated before travelling, wearing masks at public areas and maintaining physical distancing must still be observed at all times,” she said yesterday (Oct 11).
Sarawak, she added, was more than ready to open its borders to the tourism industry following the state’s high immunisation rate.
Although the number of Covid-19 cases was still high, the Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister pointed out that the number of cases in categories 3, 4, and 5 was relatively low.
The Dalat assemblywoman said Sarawakians were relieved and overjoyed when interstate travel was made possible without the need for a police permit.
“Families can finally reunite and meet each other again after nearly two years apart, and free movement economic activities will be strengthened as a result of expenditures such as petrol, food and gifts for loved ones.
“At the end of the day, it is the simple joy and bonding that a family reunion provides which are beneficial to a community’s social, emotional, and well-being,” said Fatimah.
