KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii yesterday suggested that the Sarawak government consider the reopening of businesses in green zones throughout the state.
He pointed out in most of the divisions classified as green zones, the populations were generally less dense.
“Local businesses should be allowed to return to some normalcy in phases with proper precautions including rules on social distancing, personal hygiene and ban on public gatherings in these places.
“Border control and inter-district travel, especially from the red zones should be heavily controlled to control the spread of the infection to these areas,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted yesterday.
Dr Yii was responding to the state government’s decision not to follow the federal government in opening up businesses under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) effective today.
According to him, the 105 new positive cases reported in the country including 94 local transmissions on Saturday served as a good reminder that not only was the battle with Covid-19 far from over but Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin might have jumped the gun when he announced the CMCO.
“I understand the need for the government to open the economy, but this drastic announcement by the prime minister without proper detailed explanation and most importantly, adequate adaptation period will naturally create more confusion and question marks rather than provide a clear and holistic ‘exit plan’ that is urgently needed as we recover from this pandemic.
“It is quite drastic rather than taking the ‘phase by phase opening’ or ‘soft landing’ approach needed to transition the people back into the ‘new normal’ in order to make sure there is no sudden spike in infection and then overburden our healthcare system again,” he said.
Dr Yii added the government should provide a clearer picture and detailed FAQs (frequently asked questions) to reduce the confusion and for industries to digest and get used to the required standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“When there is clarity and certainty, there will be better compliance,” he said.
Dr Yii said the government should also look into enforcement procedures to help industries and workplaces adapt to the new normal.
“While we can utilise some agencies including the local councils and Rela, I would suggest the hiring of more public health assistants to monitor and implement the SOP, especially in public places such as markets and workplaces for the next six months. This will not only help with compliance but also contribute to new job creations.
“If we want the people to comply with all the safety procedures and protocols, they must be communicated clearly, precisely and as soon as possible,” he added.
Dr Yii further urged Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and Ministry of Health (MOH) to ramp up their testing efforts to detect any hidden Covid-19 clusters or carriers to reduce the risk of exposure once people returned to work.
“The testing ratio in Sarawak is still very low and this has to be improved if we want to allay the concerns and anxiety of workers as they go back to work as it can affect their productivity and mental state,” he said.
