KUCHING, April 9: Authorities are considering implementing the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) and lockdown of certain areas using barbed wire fencing if the Covid-19 situation in Bintulu does not improve.
Bintulu Member of Parliament (MP) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said such measures, though inconvenient, would be effective in containing Covid-19 and curbing the current widespread infection within the district.
“If the situation of rising (Covid-19) cases does not subside, the authorities will be forced to consider raising the Conditional MCO (CMCO) to EMCO.
“If necessary, the authorities will also consider locking down severely affected areas to the extent of using barbed wire fencing to cut the chain of transmission by controlling people’s movements.
“This would result in effective results but cause great inconveniences to all involved,” he said in a statement today.
Understanding that the level of anxiety and worry weighs heavily on the people in Bintulu, he said these tough times will eventually pass, provided that everyone gives their full cooperation and not spread false information.
Tiong also said among the 112 new cases reported in Bintulu today, many were those who were applying for entry to or exit passes from the district, thus explaining the increase in figures.
“The inter-district travel measure which made it necessary for travelers to be (Covid-19) tested have contributed to the spike in cases but played a crucial role in allowing the authorities to track and trace infected persons.
“With this, they would be able to adjust their strategies to deal with any outbreaks. I wish to continue to appeal to the public to get tested during this time and ensure that they are clear of the disease,” he said. — DayakDaily
