KUCHING: The Southern Zone in Sarawak must be patient and adhere strictly to health and safety standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines to flatten the Covid-19 infection rate.
Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda) Kuching branch chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok expressed hope for the Southern Zone to join the rest of the state in moving into Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
“With the recent announcement that we will be moving into Phase Three, this means more social, religious, sports and economic activities will be allowed.
“Moreover, businesses and the people’s livelihoods will be able to resume. Of course, the state and federal governments are supportive with assistance for all business sectors so that our economy can be restored,” he said on Wednesday (Aug 4).
At the same time, Sim applauded the state government for the excellent execution of the vaccination programme.
“The state’s achievement is the highest among all states in the country. Those fully vaccinated will be protected from Covid-19, hospitalisation and even death. Even though there is still the possibility of getting infected, it will only be mild symptoms that are not severe enough to be hospitalised or life-threatening.
“Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also announced that for fully vaccinated persons, there will be fewer restrictions. However, we are still waiting for the official announcement on what restrictions will be lifted and this will also help further restore our lives and livelihood.”
On the extension of the Emergency Ordinance in Sarawak until February next year, he said Sarawakians would not be put in harm’s way as no state election would be called until the situation improved.
“During my involvement in organising Sheda’s food aid and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council Community Pantry Food Aid 1.0 and 2.0, we know that there are many in need of help due to the lockdown.
“With Phase Three of the NRP where most economic sectors are allowed to operate, we can expect fewer sectors to be affected. However, the tourism sector continues to be badly affected due to many international borders still closed.”
He hoped that more states could move into Phase Three or Four so that travel between states are allowed, restoring domestic tourism.
