KUCHING, May 5: The state government should have given a clearer direction on its decision and how the state intends to implement the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in Sarawak because the lack of clarity on the matter is making people more confused.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii stressed that the mechanism of implementation must be spelled out clearly with a proper timeline so to give some certainty on how the state government intends to facilitate its implementation and allow the people adequate time for the adaptation.
“Based on the official statement from the state government on the matter, they stated they have agreed to implement the CMCO, but they did not make clear how they intend to implement it.
“Which business are allowed to run in the state under the CMCO? When are they allowed to run? What are the clear SOP (standard operating procedure) that has to be followed? From what time businesses are allowed to run? …etc,” he questioned.
Dr Yii pointed out that the lack of clarity in the announcement over Sarawak’s decision on CMCO by State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas today was adding to the confusion on the ground.
“It does not give assurance and security for the workers that need to go back to work. People in fact just want clarity, certainty as well as proper and detailed steps on the proper long-term ‘exit plan’ to adapt to this ‘new normal’.
“Sharing a proper plan ensures public cooperation and support. Being opaque and vague about it will just leave more gap for confusion.
“With better clarity and certainty, there will be better compliance,” he said.
Dr Yii added that it showed there was a lack of leadership on the matter, noting that states like Sabah and Penang which rejected the implementation of CMCO had provided proper explanations and justifications on their stand even though it went against the directive of the federal government.
“The Sarawak government should provide proper justification on their direction and reveal to the public their ‘exit strategy’ and implementation mechanism as soon as possible including a proper timeline of implementation.
“If not, the people of Sarawak will be left in a limbo and our all-of-society approach and cooperation needed to handle this pandemic will be affected,” he said.
Meanwhile, SDMC announced today that Sarawak will follow the CMCO but it will be adjusted to suit Sarawak’s circumstances.
Uggah said that Sarawak will also have to consult all its stakeholders in order to have a soft landing.
He pointed out that Sarawak intended to ensure that activities no longer prohibited by CMCO will be lifted in a manner that will not jeopardise the protection of public health.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to address the state on the post-Covid-19 exit economic strategy up to 2030 at 12pm tomorrow (May 6). —DayakDaily
