SIBU: Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapaee commended the state government’s decision in not implementing the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
He said the relaxation of the MCO might prompt some people to let their guard down and become complacent.
He also warned that the danger of Covid-19 was ever present and had yet to disappear.
“Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement regarding the CMCO on May 1 received mixed views from the public.
“Many disagreed with the relaxation as Covid-19 is still actively transmitted amongst the people of this country,” he said here yesterday.
Dr Annuar also revealed that he had asked the people on the matter on his social media account.
“Some 87 per cent of the 4,300 respondents disagree with the implementation of the CMCO while only 13 per cent support it.
“Although we have successfully flattened the curves for new cases as well as active cases, it is still not enough.
“Even though the state government’s decision may cause harm to the economy, the majority of Sarawakians feel that health and safety are more important than that,” said the Nangka assemblyman.
He explained that with respect to the efforts put in by frontliners, every step of the relaxation of the MCO must be taken with utmost caution.
“Additionally, the ongoing return of the students from Peninsular Malaysia does not bode well if the state implements CMCO,” he said.
Dr Annuar also emphasised that the measures set out in the CMCO required high compliance among the people.
Otherwise, he said the people would take things for granted and stop being cautious.
“It is difficult for us to ensure that the people are in full compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) imposed by the CMCO.
“Therefore, I think it is better for Sarawak to continue with the MCO as it will guarantee more people to stay home and the risk of infection will also be reduced.
“Right now, Sarawak is in a good position to fight Covid-19 and it is unnecessary to oust the MCO in a hurry if we look to win,” he added.
