KUCHING: Before entering a business premises, visitors are required to provide their contact details. This is among the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19.
State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Unggah Embas stressed the importance of writing accurate information for the records of the business premises at a press conference after the Covid-19 daily update last Tuesday.
He said accurate information would make easier for the health authorities to do contact tracing for those in close contacts of an infected person.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed various members of the public on the importance of providing accurate information for contact tracing before entering a business premises. This is what they had to say:
Nur Afiqah, 28, Shopkeeper
‘Yes, I think three things such as full name, phone number and temperature are important details to help in contact tracing. I believe the punishment for failing to do so should not be increased. Instead, the public should be educated on the importance of doing so. Maybe they need time to adjust to the new normal.’
MATHEW CHIN, 29, Salesperson
‘Details such as names and phone numbers are important for contact tracing. Perhaps the public are afraid that their personal information may be leaked out. A stiff punishment will ensure the public comply with the SOPs.’
NORLIZAH AHMAD MULANA, 41, Hairstylist
‘Their current addresses and the last places the people have visited will facilitate contact tracing. I think those who falsify their details are irresponsible as there is no profit for them to do so. I believe the people who do not comply with the SOPs should be punished so that they will learn.’
ABG AZIZAN ILYA ABG ARSHAD, 25, Cafe owner
‘Names and telephone numbers should suffice for contact tracing I think irresponsible people tend to lie about their information. Those who do not comply with the procedures should be fined because they could be the cause of a new cluster.’
NAZRI NARUDIN, 25, Technician
‘It is important for us to comply with the SOPs and act responsibly. Most people probably are wary about giving their personal details because they fear some people will take advantage and misuse the information provided. I think a heavier punishment and frequent supervision from the authorities can make the public cooperate.’
Nazreel Shafiqee, 27, Technician
‘Yes, details are necessary to track everyone’s movements when something happens and before it’s too late. I think some people are just tired of filling in their details all over again at each business premises they visit.
‘Those who do not comply should be fined a reasonable amount to make them more accountable for their actions.’
ALYA BATRISYIA, 21, Student
‘Yes, accurate information can help track the whereabouts of the affected persons and those who could have been in close contact with them. Maybe they are afraid that their personal information will be used for illegal purposes such as scamming or stalking. It is not necessary to increase the punishment. The people must understand why they must comply with the SOPs.’
