KUCHING: A local politician has commended the state government for its efforts in managing the Covid-19 pandemic through the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) youth chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the involvement of governments in managing the current pandemic was common around the world.
He said any form of disaster was the governments’ concern. Hence, it was the governments’ duty to ensure that the people were taken care of and looked after.
“In most cases, it is quite rare to hear that a pandemic such as this Covid-19 is left entirely to the professionals to handle without the governments’ involvement.
“In fact, governments in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and China are taking the lead in combating this pandemic.
Snowdan was commenting on Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Pelawan branch leader Dr Low Chong Nguan’s remarks that professionals should take over SDMC’s roles.
The Balai Ringin assemblyman pointed out that those leading SDMC were leaders, not necessarily politicians, because speed and urgency were vital during this pandemic.
“It is important during the pandemic for resources, supports, supplies, laws or guidelines to be streamlined and standardised. The formation of our SDMC is to make this function and the government must be in command.
“Professionals are very much welcomed and they can always advise the government on matters of their expertise. Moreover, all government agencies and non-governmental organisations must join forces to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
“The hoteliers should also cooperate by allowing their premises to be quarantine centres in the event our hospitals are filled up,” he said.
Snowdan, who is also the Assistant Minister of Youth and Sport, said that the people should be more disciplined and show their support to SDMC by complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He also said this was to prevent the formation of new clusters and further curb the spread of the outbreak.
