By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 18: Do Sarawakians prefer lockdown or lockup?
This question was posed by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Idris Buang who is also a lawyer by training.
According to him, the partial lockdown implemented under the Restricted Movement Order (RMO) is meant to contain Covid-19 by prohibiting social meet-ups involving both small and big groups which is an effective way to contain the novel coronavirus’ spread.
“However, it appears that many did not take it seriously, whether it is out of ignorance or just plain defiance. They are still those who are hanging out at eating places such as Kenyalang Park. There are also many who leisurely stroll and shop in supermarkets,” Idris told DayakDaily.
He said the purpose of the government in allowing eating places, grocery stores and supermarkets to operate is to provide convenience for the public.
“Permission to go out to buy food and groceries does not mean that people can sit down and leisurely have a cup of coffee with friends.
“Allowing grocery shopping also does not mean that you can bring your whole family out and have a good time shopping in the supermarkets.
“If any shopping needs to be done, only one person from the family should go and buy the items and return home,” said Idris who is also Muara Tuang assemblyman.
He stressed that the ongoing movement restriction is only a temporary measure for two weeks. However, if Sarawakians were to take a “couldn’t-care-less” attitude and treat the whole exercise as a joke, the whole of Sarawak will have to pay a price for it.
“If people continue to move around freely without any self restraint, then Covid-19 will continue to spread. Not only that, the effort of this two-week restricted movement order will be wasted, and we will face with another wave of Covid-19.
“But if we were to abide by the order — stop going out unnecessarily and staying home for two weeks — then the disease may be contained and we can get back to our normal life again.
“So which one would Sarawakians prefer? Lockdown or lockup — to continue to live under the fear of Covid-19?” asked Idris. — DayakDaily
