By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Feb 11: Will Sarawak follow suit with the lifting of mandatory temperature scanning and manual recording of personal particulars before entering any premises effective today?
The answer to this question remains uncertain, especially to many business owners in Sarawak, despite the announcement by Senior Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein on Feb 8.
This morning, Assistant Minister of Public Health, Local Government and Housing Michael Tiang and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting posted on social media, stating that temperature scans are no longer mandatory and are optional.
However, some commenters to the postings advised businesses to wait for verification from Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to avoid getting any compounds.
Just minutes ago, Deputy Chief Minister and SDMC advisor Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said in Telegram that business owners in Sarawak are encouraged to continue the temperature scanning practices as an extra precaution.
He also reminded MySejahtera check-in is still a must before entering any premises.
Sarawakians, being used to Sarawak having its “own set of SOPs” and not following Peninsular Malaysia, seem to be apathetic at the moment when neither SDMC nor the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has issued an official statement concerning the update on this particular standard operating procedure (SOP).
Compulsory temperature checks have become a norm ever since the Covid-19 outbreak two years ago, so whether the temperature scanners can be removed today or tomorrow is probably just another wrinkle to be bothered with another day. — DayakDaily
