By Nazrinzulaiqa Hasbi
KUCHING: Members of the public have mixed views over the state government deciding to continue the 14-day quarantine period for individuals entering the state.
Chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Datuk Amar Douglas Unggah Embas said all Malaysians wishing to enter Sarawak from Peninsular Malaysia will be quarantined for 14 days at the quarantine centres effective Oct 10.
During a random interview conducted by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday (Sept 12), some voiced their disagreement with the decision made by the state government to continue its policy of subjecting those traveling from outside of Sarawak into the state need to be quarantined for 14-days.
However, some of them agreed with it as it can prevent the infection of Covid-19 and can reduce the number of cases in this country.
Nur Liyana Setuyono, Student
I disagree. For students like me, the quarantine period combined with a short semester holiday will result in a waste of time. Furthermore, if an emergency occurs, such as death, the situation will deteriorate. Individuals who have a negative Covid-19 test should be quarantined at home rather than in a quarantine centre.
Anis Wahida Amran, Student
Although quarantine for 14 days has its advantages, I slightly disagree with this policy. This is because patients with in Category 1 are currently undergoing quarantine at home, but why do individuals who want to enter Sarawak who are negative have to undergo their quarantine in hotels or quarantine centres? We want to adapt to this virus, so the 14 day-quarantine to enter Sarawak is not always relevant and effective. When we get to the endemic phase, I’m sure there will be better and more relevant options to consider.
Lydia Ling Yong Qi, Fresh graduate
I agree with the state government in continuing the policy. The quarantine can prevent individuals who may have been exposed to Covid-19 and can reduce cases in Sarawak. If the Sarawak government does not maintain quarantine for 14 days, Sarawakians will likely contract Covid-19 and many people will lose their lives.
Prisca Aren Peter, Student
The quarantine period should be reduced to seven days. Other conditions should be maintained such as undergoing a swab test before being allowed to enter Sarawak to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Ghafar Mat, Retiree
The government can carry out quarantine on individuals who enter Sarawak. However, the quarantine period should be reduced to three days. If the individual’s result is positive, then the individual is allowed to go to quarantine at the quarantine centre and if the individual’s result is negative, I recommend the individual to undergo quarantine at home only. There is no need for a long quarantine period for those who have been confirmed negative.
