The only way we can destroy this common invisible enemy is through solidarity and cooperation. The world needs to come together to coordinate efforts and expedite the development of effective tools to stop this disease.
– Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister
From the looks of it, it’s business as usual for some people, eateries and business outlets.
Some have gone back to the old normal after the easing of regulations, allowing businesses to operate.
The resumption of the business sector is an important step to get our economy moving again. However, this must be done responsibly and with strict compliance of standard operating procedures.
Then again, it’s obvious that breaking old habits is a difficult process.
For many of us, the rapid pace at which the Covid-19 pandemic spread throughout the world made us change. It forced us to adapt to new realities and behaviours.
This is especially true of our interactions with others at public places such as shops, supermarkets, eateries and businesses in general.
We had to quickly adapt to some of the new hygiene behaviours such as wearing of face masks, washing our hands regularly, use of hand sanitisers, personal physical distancing and temperature checking.
However, it seems as time passes and with the easing of the various control measures, some are lapsing back to old habits. Perhaps they think the threat of Covid-19 has passed or is in its final phase. So now can relax-lah!
The process of unlearning old habits, learning new ones and then sustaining these new hygiene practices is not an easy task. As they say, old habits die hard. Well, in this case, old habits can kill.
However, change, we have to! This is the responsibility of all, ranging from individuals to businesses and government authorities.
We all have to realise that it is not just the current pandemic we have to address, but also the next wave or even some other new future pandemic.
There are still many uncertain aspects that will have to be studied and resolved as we try to adapt to the new normal.
As an example, at dinner events in hotels, do we still have 10 people per table or do we go for six? Do we use the same ladle from dishes to serve ourselves? Do all diners have to be served plated meals from now on?
After the control measures are lifted, do we go back to seating next to each other in close proximity in sports stadiums and movie theatres? Perhaps the new normal will have to relook at new building and seating designs for the future.
As you can see, there is still much uncertainty and many unknowns yet to be dealt with.
The provision of public health services is a fundamental and basic human right. Most of these services are carried out by the Ministry of Health and by the local councils.
The Sarawak government, via the close cooperation between both under the purview of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, has been instrumental in containing and curbing the spread of Covid-19.
As restrictions are being eased and eventually lifted, the local councils will have to pay particular attention to the public health aspects of businesses.
It is common to see the preparation of food in back lanes of eateries and even next to rat- and cockroach-infested drains. This includes washing of plates, pots and pans. Despite complaints and action, year after year, it still goes on.
The previous practice of ongoing friendly warnings for non-compliance of health regulations has to end. There is just too much at risk.
I’m sure we all do not want a repeat of the movement control order that has wreaked havoc on our economy and more importantly, the spread of the virus that has taken away lives.
I would urge customers to boycott businesses and eateries that do not follow proper hygiene practices and health regulations.
All parties involved in creating policies and enforcement of these policies and regulations have to make sure the implementation is rigorous and unwavering.
It can be said, the lack of enforcement of health regulations will be the equivalent of aiding and abetting in spreading of diseases and in this case, the virus.
One can also argue that if the hygiene regulations relevant to public places are not enforced, the relevant authorities are complicit in spreading illness and even death. Issues of negligence might arise.
A combination of individual responsibility and sustainable efforts by all the relevant organs of government will continue to play an important part in the effective management of the current pandemic, future waves and new pandemics.
So Sarawakians, let us work together to keep Sarawak and her people safe.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
