SIBU, Mar 21: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian told Sarawakians to prioritise collective effort in combating Covid-19 and put aside “earning money”.
The Batu Kawa assemblyman warned that the state had only days of window opportunity before it could head the same way as Italy where 4,032 people had died from Covid-19.
“No finger pointing, no politics, no cheap publicity. Forget your temporary inconveniences. Forget about earning money. It is time to help each other. Stay home for social distancing. No unnecessary gathering. Only you can save Sarawak!” he said, while also calling on the people not to have any fear and to stop spreading rumours as it was more detrimental to the state.
Writing on his Facebook on Saturday (March 21), Dr Sim urged the people to be “very serious” about Covid-19. As at March 20, the state had recorded 58 cases.
Assuring that the medical profession had nothing to hide and was trying its best to be transparent, he urged those suspected of contracting the virus not to lie to the doctors when asked about their history.
Dr Sim said that the state was fortunate that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had “instructed that money is not an issue and Sarawakian’s life is the most important thing at this crisis time.”
He also called on the people to show compassion and understanding for medical staff in Sarawak General Hospital, Sibu Hospital, Bintulu Hospital and Miri Hospital who were also putting their lives on the line to look after those Sarawakians infected with Covid-19.
“The staff currently do not need food as I don’t want unscrupulous people making use of the opportunity to scam you! Any donation if any, please co-ordinate with Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC),” he said.
Dr Sim was also very inspired by Sarawak’s friendship provinces from China which included Yunnan, Fujian and Shandong as well as Sarawak Heart Centre’s friendship heart centre Nanjing Heart Centre for sending essential medical materials as well as arranging webinars to share their firsthand experiences with Covid-19.—DayakDaily
Note of editor: The story has been updated.
