KUCHING: People are looking forward to the country entering the endemic phase but at the same time must be mindful about adhering to SOPs and other Covid-19 guidelines.
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said the country’s transition to the endemic phase was a good thing as it would bring normality back to society.
“I believe this is a good thing especially for business operators and traders who will look forward to operate their business as usual.
“And of course, I believe many of us who have been trying to go to church or the mosque are looking forward to it.
“Right now, when you follow the minimum number of people into mosques and churches, it makes some of us feel uneasy,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after a committee meeting on the opening of Ramadan Bazaar in areas under MPP’s jurisdiction on Thursday (March 10).
Ahmad was reacting to the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on the country’s transition to the endemic phase on April 1.
“Of course, if you think about it, I’ve been mentioning it for the last few months that we are entering the endemic phase, and most countries have done it.
“Western countries like the United Kingdom (UK) have reopened their borders.
“(When) you talk about endemic they do not wear face masks outside, only indoors. (But) we are still wearing face masks indoors and outdoors,” he noted.
Towards this end Ahmad made it clear that he does not totally agree with how western countries have handled the situation.
“I think we have to go beyond what most western countries are doing. I’m not saying I agree with them totally but I do believe that when going out you still need to wear a face mask.
“You still need to summon people for not wearing their face masks when going outside,” said Ahmad, who is also a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member.
He added that the federal government was doing the right thing by opening up the border and relaxing the guidelines, allowing people to live as normally as possible.
