KUCHING: Public cooperation in adhering to the movement control order (MCO) and following the new norms plays a big role in the flattening the Covid-19 curve.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said according to epidemiological modelling, without the MCO, the infection rate in Kuching could have been as high as 80,000.
“It is because of the MCO, the health standard operating procedures (SOPs) by both the federal and state governments including public compliance to MCO that the infection number is only 543 in the state,” he told reporters when met at the DUN complex yesterday.
Dr Sim said that was why Sarawakians had to continue with the new norms — practising personal hygiene, social distancing and wearing masks when leaving their homes.
“Even though tomorrow (May 12), we are opening some of the economic sectors under the conditional MCO, it does not mean that everything is fine.
“We have to be very careful now. I urge the public to be disciplined, to learn about the new norms, to be vigilant and not to be too complacent. Why? Because the virus is still the same, still very infectious, still very virulent and still around,” he pointed out.
Dr Sim warned that if the public were not on the alert constantly, then the state would be hit by the second wave of Covid-19.
“When the second wave comes, it will be bigger than the first wave and all the sacrifices made during the first to the fourth phases of the MCO will go to waste,” he said.
Asked about the need for more medical contract staff in the state, Dr Sim said health matters were under the purview of the federal government.
“We will try our best to address the various issues and ultimately, the responsibility is still with Ministry of Health (MOH).
“Unless they give us back our health autonomy. Sarawak is more than ready to take over. We have enough human resources, expertise and when it comes to funding, we are able to do a better job because we understand the situation here better,” he explained. Dr Sim said during this crisis, there was no point to argue or play politics. What was important was to pull all resources together and find the best solution in curbing Covid-19.
