By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 29: All 4D outlets such as those owned by Sports Toto, Magnum and Cash Sweep as well as barbershops and hair salons are not allowed to operate throughout Sarawak as a two-week Movement Control Order (MCO) kicks in today.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has advised people to stay at home as much as possible and only to go out for essential needs such as to buy food, daily necessities, medications, seek treatment and attend Covid-19 vaccination appointments.
“No haircuts, no jogging, no cycling, no dining-in, no window shopping, no 4D or 6D, no social or family or religious gatherings,” he emphasised in a Facebook post last night.
As per the latest MCO standard operating procedures (SOP), retail outlets, variety stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets and shopping malls are only permitted to open up the sections providing food and essential goods.
Markets, wet markets and wholesale markets are allowed to operate in accordance with the SOP as well as terms specified for respective operations and with reduced workforce capacity.
Other essential services and sectors permitted during the MCO in accordance with latest SOP and regulations are restricted to hardware, electronic and electrical, packaging and printing, healthcare, automotive sales, maintenance and repairs, health and safety equipment, pet food, agriculture products and other retail outlets approved by the local authorities or Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) with approval from the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
Meanwhile, dining-in and “park and dine” services continue to be banned in eateries including restaurants, bistros, cafes, coffee shops and food and beverage stalls. Only takeaway, drive-thru and deliveries are allowed.
Dr Sim, who is also SDMC advisor, appealed to Sarawakians for their understanding as Sarawak goes through such a difficult period by taking stricter measures and putting all their efforts into curbing the spike of Covid-19 in the State in order to protect not only lives but livelihoods.
“We need to save lives (yours, mine, our families, friends, colleagues and Sarawak).
“Our hospitals are overstretched, overwhelmed. So we must prevent it (healthcare system) from totally collapsing,” he warned.
In the spirit of solidarity, he once again called on people to play their roles as the next two weeks are the most critical period.
“The virus doesn’t move. If people do not move, the virus will die on its own. If people still move (around), the virus will be alive and people will die,” he pointed out.
Note that the night curfew from 10pm to 5am will be enforced throughout Sarawak starting tonight until June 11. — DayakDaily
