KUCHING: The vigorous vaccination exercise which has reached all segments of the population as well as the stringent and localised standard operating procedures (SOPs) have contributed to Sarawak moving forward into phase two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
In saying this, Local Government Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil added that progressing into subsequent phases of the NRP would depend very much on the vaccination rates and discipline in complying with the SOPs which had been put in place.
“For instance, although the NRP stated that dine-in was allowed in phase two, Sarawak decided otherwise because it could be detrimental in our efforts to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.
“Another critical factor that enabled us to move forward is our aggressive vaccination exercise. This is very apparent given the drop in Covid-19 cases recorded statewide,” he said when contacted today (14 July).
Commenting on the 16 new Covid-19 Delta variant (or B.1 617.2) cases recorded in the state on Tuesday (July 13), he advised Sarawakians to be extra vigilant and adhere strictly to the SOPs.
“I was made to understand that the Delta variant is more severe and aggressive. One of the ways to minimise such impact is through vaccination and by looking after ourselves.
“The task of fighting this war against Covid-19 lies with each and every of us individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporate sector, industries and all other stakeholders. It is not entirely on the government alone,” he said.
The Marudi assemblyman disclosed that over 70 percent of the people in his constituency had received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
He was confident that the state would achieve its target of immunising a big segment of the population by the end of August this year.
“I am very happy with the vaccination progress in my constituency. It is being carried out at two main vaccination centres (PPV), namely, Marudi Civic Centre and Dewan Masyarakat Beluru as well as five rural health clinics.
“A large number of the people in my constituency also had their vaccinations at PPV Bekenu, PPV Long Lama as well as in Miri,” he said.
