KUCHING: The Sarawak government continues to provide resting areas for the medical frontliners at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) during the movement control order (MCO) period.
Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women and Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the the resting areas were needed as the frontliners, especially those treating Covid-19 patients, did not want to jeopardise the safety of their family.
“Besides food and personal protective equipment (PPE), the state is also providing the resting areas for the wellbeing of these frontliners,” she told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
Meanwhile, according to a statement released by her ministry, the ministry was tasked to provide resting areas for the frontliners such as doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers of SGH during the four phases of the MCO.
“These were requested by the SGH medical team for the safety and security of the staff and their family members. They are most vulnerable, having to handle Covid-19 patients, and due to the distance from home. Shift duties are tight and fast, thus it is convenient if they move in and out of these places,” it said in the statement.
The statement added during phases one and two of the MCO, these resting areas were at Riverside Majestic Hotel – Astana Wing Kuching and was sponsored by CKH Realty Group as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) from March 24 to April 14.
“The total number of frontliners at these resting areas was about 150 persons per night. The maximum number of rooms required at one time was 75 with a maximum number of 240 occupants but the minimum number of rooms was always 50. The total cost of the accommodation sponsored was approximately RM120,000,” it said.
During phases three and four of the MCO phase, the resting areas moved to Regatta Suites, Kozi Square as Riverside Majestic Hotel declined to continue providing this service and the sponsorship by CKH Realty Group ended on April 14.
“This move, effective MCO phase three (April 14 to 28), was approved by SDMC on April 13, and all costs amounting to RM107,100 will be financed by the Sarawak government.
“The total number of rooms is 90 and the total number of occupants is 180 at its maximum. This service, as approved by State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) on April 27, will continue for the next phase of MCO (April 29 till May 12) with a total allocation of RM107,100,” the statement said.
