KUCHING: As domestic tourism is slowly getting back to its feet, this city, however, is on the edge of turning red due to the recent spike of positive Covid-19 cases.
With one new death recorded on Sunday, many said immediate action taken by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to impose mandatory quarantine at designated hotels or centres on visitors from outside the state is vital for preventing the spread of the virus.
Many also believe that the recent spike in the number of positive cases is due to the relaxation of rules governing movements of people at the state’s entry points.
They also blamed the poorly managed or inconsistent testing done at KLIA.
Therefore, many people think it’s better to allow entry into Sarawak only after 14 days of quarantine at whichever entry point, they (travellers) stepped foot in first.
Umie Kamal, 35, and husband Faiz Amin, 35. Freelance graphic designer from Shah Alam, Selangor
‘I say Sarawak is the only state that is proactive. I remember seeing a passenger at Kuching International Airport (KIA) being stopped because an enforcement officer saw him sneezing upon arrival. He had to take a swab test.’
Mohamad Khairuzie Bolhassan, 37, Petra Jaya Hawkers Association president (Metrocity Night Market)
‘To be honest, home quarantine isn’t effective because some people don’t take it seriously. Allowing them to be home quarantined is one of the factors that contributed to the recent spike in positive Covid-19 cases in Kuching.’
Dyg Khamsiah Awg Omar, 62, retiree and housewife
‘I fully support enforcing mandatory quarantine at designated centres. If necessary, set timing for movements between districts. It is also better for non-essential services to close, or limit their operating hours.’
Ah Yin, 28 and Ah Lek, 34, car workshop workers
‘We don’t think that it is necessary to close non-essential services or restrict inter-district travel. And it’s better to enforce mandatory quarantine at designated hotels or centres rather than home quarantine.’
Ah Kiong, owner of Ching Ming Auto Works in Gita, Petrajaya
‘I think it is high time for everyone to fight Covid-19 collectively. Practise social distancing, avoid crowded places and adhere to the standard operating procedures. Travellers to Sarawak must take precautions such as wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers.’
