KUCHING: The state is set to launch ‘Ops Jala’ in a few days’ time to quell the entry of illegal immigrants into Sarawak.
State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in announcing this, emphasised the importance of controlling the threat of Covid-19 transmission through illegal immigrants.
He said since Sept 1 during the second phase of the recovery movement control order (RMCO), there were 411 positive cases in Sarawak.
These were divided into cases imported from overseas (38), imported cases from other states (80) and locally transmitted cases (293).
“A total of 38 were imported cases from overseas affecting 12 Malaysians and 26 non-Malaysians.
“Out of the 26 non-Malaysians, 15 were categorised as illegal immigrants,” he said when delivering SDMC’s daily Covid-19 update on Monday (Dec 28).
Uggah said drastic actions are required in order to tackle the issue which involves irresponsible individuals.
“We have gone through several bitter experiences including the four who escaped from Sibu and two who went missing after they tested positive.
“These people are very irresponsible so we have to take very drastic action. We are not only taking action against illegal immigrants themselves but also against those who have facilitated their entry into Sarawak,” he said.
As for arrivals of Malaysians in the state, Uggah noted that the number of infections was still alarming.
“That is why we still have quarantine for arrivals from the peninsular and why Sarawakians who return from Sabah are also quarantined.
“Can you imagine if we don’t quarantine them? They could have gone home, gone to the interior areas and can cause a lot of havoc. The sacrifice they make will help us contain the situation in Sarawak,” he said.
