KUCHING: Muara Tuang Assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang has suggested that the inter-district travel passes during the movement control order (MCO) period be processed online to prevent overcrowding at District Offices, Resident Offices, or police stations.
He proposed that a one-stop centre coordinate the information first before such passes were approved.
These passes are currently required for inter-district travel during the MCO as one of the state’s strategies to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“To design such a thing within a short space of time is quite difficult, but not impossible as I am sure we have people with the right expertise in the Information Technology (IT) industry that can develop this within the immediate space of time,” he said.
Idris added that a workable digital system was vital to overcome the risk of overcrowding.
“After all, it is the aspiration of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in its transformation programme to go digital,” he said.
He added that this online system could be a good investment for the future if challenges similar to the current Covid-19 pandemic should surface again.
He stressed that inter-district movements must be restricted and controlled to contain the spread of the virus.
It was recently reported that over 100 people were queueing up at the Pakan Police Station to get inter-district travel passes which would allow them to visit Sarikei for necessities such as getting fuel, withdrawing cash and attending medical appointments.
Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep pointed out that handling large crowds could be a risk to the people and also personnel, in this case the police manning the station.
“The situation would become even more chaotic when many people applied for these passes to allow them to travel to get necessities,” he said.
Jinep added the situation was still under control in Bau as it was self-sufficient in basic supplies.
“Nevertheless, we still encourage people to stay at home, stay safe, and avoid crowded places and red zone areas,” he said.
