KUCHING, Mar 16: All schools are instructed to extend their school holidays for another week until Mar 29, 2020.
All Tabika, Taska (preschools and kindergartens) and Sekolah Tahfiz in Sarawak, are instructed to close for two weeks, effective tomorrow, March 17,2020 while institutions of Higher Education, both government and private, are to defer their new academic session by two weeks, effective tomorrow, March 17, 2020.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement just now at Chief Minister Office at Wisma Bapa.
He said in the last 3 days, Sarawak has recorded 34 positive cases of COVID-19 where 29 are “imported” cases.
“As such, the state government has come up with the following control measures to prevent further escalation of COVID-19:
All visitors (foreign and domestic) coming into Sarawak and returning Sarawakians, will be issued with a 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN). This includes Sarawak residents, long term and short-term pass holders.
This will take into effect on March 18, 2020.
“The relevant agencies will monitor the Stay Home Notice holders through random visits, phone calls and modern technology applications.
“Exemptions shall only be given by the State Health Department to those who are required to travel under special circumstances (official and business duties),” said Abang Johari.
He announced that all Sarawak government official functions, involving more than 50 persons, are to be cancelled or postponed or until further notice.
“Any public functions, involving more than 50 persons are strongly advised to be postponed or cancelled until further notice.
“All public sports facilities including swimming pools, stadiums and gymnasium are to be closed effective tomorrow, March 17, 2020 until further notice.
“Everyone is advised to practice the highest standard of personal hygiene and to strictly practice social distancing,” said Abang Johari.
Meanwhile, the committee is advising the public to stop spreading fake or unverified news on the social media/social messenger platforms.
The Police and MCMC (Malaysian Communcations and Multimedia Commision) will not hesitate to act against those found responsible for doing so.
“All suspects will be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, which provides a maximum fine of RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to a year, or both, and shall also be liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction,” said Abang Johari. — DayakDaily
Note of Editor: The story has been updated.
