KUCHING: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is scheduled to meet soon to discuss the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the opening of pubs and nightclubs in Sarawak.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has yet to convene the committee members for a meeting.
“Datuk Amar (Uggah) has recently returned from overseas, so we will meet soon.
“Sarawak will always examine policies to see if they are appropriate for us.
“And I’m waiting for Uggah to summon us all,” he told reporters after the Wesak Day celebration at Kuil Utama Sarawak, Buddhist Association in Jalan Wan Alwi here, today.
He was also responding to reporters’ inquiry on whether the National Security Council’s (MKN) SOPs for the opening of pubs and nightclubs on May 14 was also applied to Sarawak.
Elaborating further, Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, pointed out that SDMC has always set its own rules and policies.
“Not all things from West Malaysia are suitable for us.
“Look at them now; they fight every day and even, the prime minister changes frequently. So, are we going to follow in their footsteps?
“Uggah has just arrived (from overseas). Give him time. There will be formal announcements in a few days,” noted Dr Sim.
Among the SOPs issued by MKN include customers must undergo an RTK self-test 24 hours before attending a place with evaluation by licenced medical practitioners registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), or owners could impose self-tests on their customers (if they haven’t done so) before they enter the premises.
“Those responsible must ensure that negative test results are obtained within 24 hours.
“Anyone who does not complete the COVID-19 test within 24 hours must be denied entry,” the council stated.
