SIBU: There are no movement restrictions or lockdown for the Sibu Jaya, assured Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.
According to him, Sibu Jaya is not under lockdown but is subject to the movement control order (MCO), similar to other areas in Sibu District.
Speaking to reporters yesterday (Feb 1), Sempurai said there was a misunderstanding among the residents of Sibu Jaya that their area will be subjected to movement restrictions such as in Pasai Siong.
“There is no ‘total’ movement restriction in Sibu Jaya like Pasai Siong. We only exercise movement control by restricting the movement of the people while helping the Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) control the spread of Covid-19 infection.
“Residents in the Sibu Jaya area can still do essential activities,” he said.
He explained that the current situation is not a complete restriction of movement but more to movement limitation by strictly controlling the entry of outsiders and the exit of Sibu Jaya residents from the area.
“Those who have a police permit can still go to work. Residents can still go out to buy their necessities at supermarkets and shops which are still open. Only two people are allowed in one vehicle.
“Outsiders are not allowed to come to Sibu Jaya. There are longhouse residents living in rural Sibu who will come to Sibu Jaya and usually after shopping, they will visit their relatives before returning to their longhouse.
“We do not want them to come and bring the virus back to their longhouses,” Sempurai said.
Roadblocks had been set up at the only main entrance to Sibu Jaya on Jalan Sibu-Durin from 2.30pm starting yesterday.
