KUCHING: The public plays a significant role in ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being adhered to, said Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor said that the council was conducting regular spot checks on SOP compliance.
“We are strengthening our enforcement team for checking and monitoring operations. The MBKS teams have joined forces with other enforcement agencies to monitor the SOPs.
“We distribute pamphlets and flyers to hawkers as well as coffee shops to remind them of the importance of SOP compliance. However, we need help and feedback from the public, too.
“We have six teams and six enforcement officers in each team. They are deployed every night on a rotation basis,’’ he explained.
Meanwhile, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, Datuk Peter Minos said the council took SOP compliance seriously.
“Those who are stubborn and do not comply to the SOPs are fined accordingly. We want Kota Samarahan to be in the green zone so we do our best to make sure that the SOPs are observed and obeyed to the letter.
“We are also working closely with the Kota Samarahan police, People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to conduct spot checks as often as possible,” he said.
Minos added that the council was also sharing information on the terrible dangers of Covid-19 with the public.
“We share our information with community leaders and relevant representatives. We cannot pass all the buck and problems to the government. I hope that the vaccines will be available soon. But in the meantime, we must work together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said individuals or business premises that failed to comply with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be handled appropriately.
“After being advised as well as issued with warnings, they should be appropriately handled in accordance with the provisions under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 324).
“We cannot afford to have the public defying the orders in view of the current Covid-19 situation. “Everyone must do their part and play their role in following the SOPs strictly to stop the transmission chain and prevent the spread of infections among the local communities,” he said.
Lo added that MPP would continue to check SOP compliance at business premises in the municipality.
“Following a surge in the number of new cases, the task force led by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will carry out more stringent checks, especially in crowded areas and places of public focus.
“Members of the public are reminded to always observe and comply strictly to the SOPs as well as to cooperate with the premises owners. We must stay safe not just for ourselves but for those around us,” he added.
