2 longhouses slapped with RM4,000 compound

Several longhouses have been placed under lockdown as Covid-19 cases flare in rural areas. File Photo

KUCHING, June 9: Two longhouses in Sarikei and Bintangor were slapped with compounds totalling RM4,000 for violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in a statement today disclosed that the Sarawak Health Department issued the compounds against Rh Lingga in Sungai Selangan, Sarikei and Rh Thomas Settian in Skim B, Bintangor.

The longhouse villagers had allegedly conduct miring ceremonies on the eve of Gawai Dayak (May 31) despite SDMC repeated warnings that such activities are not allowed.

The event has resulted in difficulties for villagers to comply with the SOP that was enforced to curb the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the police have issued a total of 83 compounds in Sarawak for various SOP violations during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Kuching recorded the highest with 41, followed by Bintulu (24), Miri (5), Mukah (4); Sarikei and Dalat (three each); Sibu, Betong and Lawas (one each).

Among the offences were dine in, loitering in public places after 10pm, premises operating beyond the permitted time, opening of non-essential service premises, failure in checking into premises using the MySejahtera app, failure to record personal particulars on the logbook, failure in observing proper physical distancing and failure to wear face masks in public places.

To-date, the police have issued a total of 7,473 compounds since March 18.

On the other hand, Ministry of Local Government and Housing had issued eight compounds by its Kota Samarahan, Matu, Daro, Sri Aman, Sibu and Sarikei district offices for not completing or updating the check-in registration log book, premises operating beyond the permitted time, premises operating without permit and dine in.

Since Feb 1 this year, the Ministry has issued a total of 944 violation compounds. — DayakDaily