KUCHING: The public is generally in favour of the movement control order (MCO) being re-imposed in Sarawak due to a spike in positive Covid-19 cases.
This week Sarawak recorded the highest and second highest daily Covid-19 positive cases throughout Malaysia at 607 on Tuesday (Apr 13) and 489 on Wednesday (Apr 14).
Moreover, the number of green zone districts in the state has been steadily dwindling with only four districts namely Telang Usan, Lundu, Pusa and Simunjan remaining green as well as having 49 active Covid-19 clusters.
New Sarawak Tribune today managed to get public comments on the matter.
AUGUST PHANG, 30, EVENTS & WEDDINGS COORDINATOR
“It’s a yes from me! Sarawak has recorded some of the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases in these past few months. People are getting used to the new norm but they are not complying with the SOPs strictly like before. If the MCO is re-imposed, it must be strict like it was in March 2020.”
ABDUL RAUF, 27, DISPATCH OFFICER
“Desperate times call for desperate measures but there are disadvantages in the imposition of MCO again. I believe the education sector among others would be badly affected and I feel sorry for the students. Their learning process has been disrupted since last year and it is challenging for fresh graduates to get employed.”
HANDY GUI, 27, BROADCAST JOURNALIST
“Yes, the MCO should be re-imposed but I believe the government needs to take into account the economic impacts from the implementation of such measures. There is a need to find a balance between curbing the virus and the people’s socio-economic wellbeing.
RUTH LEONG, 24, DIGITAL MARKETEER
“The MCO is necessary especially with the high number of Covid-19 cases in most parts of the state. Even though the SOPs are in place, not everyone and every situation permits for people to fully adhere to the precautionary measures.”
SETH PELI, 37, TOUR GUIDE
“I personally do not wish for another MCO but if we have no choice, it must be re-imposed. I think imposing strict lockdown at locations that have high number of cases can be effective and there is a need to re-evaluate the social distancing method. Many places like schools, workplaces and markets continue to be high risk as such places are often crowded with people.”
MUHAMMAD AKMAL YUSUP, 28, PRIVATE WORKER
“The Covid-19 situation in Sarawak is very concerning so I agree with the idea of re-imposing the MCO state-wide. I view this as a suitable ‘punishment’ to teach those who have been stubborn in complying with the SOPs. SDMC have been lenient and done their best to help the people but the efforts are sadly not being reciprocated.”
NORAINI SALLEH, 31, SELF-EMPLOYED
“It is disappointing to see how nowadays many people take the SOPs lightly and behave as if the Covid-19 pandemic is over. Despite the negative impacts that MCO may have, it is important to prioritise flattening the Covid-19 curve before the majority of the state’s population are infected.”
