KUCHING: Only 50 percent dine-in capacity will be allowed for cafes and restaurants here effective today.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was one of the decisions made by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in light of the current Covid-19 circumstances.
“For social and official ceremonies which involve gatherings, only a maximum of 200 people is allowed,” he said at the SDMC Covid-19 update press conference today.
He said these events must also take into account the size of the space as well as physical distancing.
He stressed that the organisers of such events must ensure that hand sanitisers are prepared, physical distancing is applied while all those present are required to wear face masks.
“Enforcement agencies will take strict action against any organiser who does not adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” he warned.
Uggah, who is also SDMC chairman, said the committee had informed the National Security Council (MKN) today that it would implement even more active case detection (ACD) operations in areas other than Wisma Saberkas.
“The State Health Department is still observing the cases in Kuching,” he said, adding that SDMC would also be evaluating the risk in several locations.
If required, he said it might enforce the targeted enhanced movement control order (Emco) as well, such as the one implemented at Kampung Haji Baki.
He said SDMC had been invited to attend MKN meetings via video conference over the last few days, chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Thanking MKN for this, he said these meetings made it much easier for SDMC to communicate any issues faced.
“For example, the other day we found that the quarantine facilities for army personnel returning to Sarawak were not in compliance with our standard. They were undergoing quarantine in their camps.
“So from yesterday (Wednesday), all returned soldiers will be quarantined at our quarantine centres in Sarawak and the state government will cover the quarantine costs,” said Uggah.
On enforcement, he said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) issued three compounds — two in Padawan and one in Miri.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing had issued 132 verbal, written, and seizure warnings in areas under the supervision of various local councils.
On Ops Benteng, he said 1,246 vehicles were inspected at seven roadblocks in six districts — two in Lawas and one each in Lundu, Bau, Serian, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu.
