KUCHING, Sept 14: State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) clarifies today that an individual’s Enter Sarawak applications were rejected four times as the applicant had been submitting rapid antigen test results, instead of RT-PCR negative results as required under the standard operating procedures (SOP).
This clarification was in response to a recent complaint posted by the individual in the social media lamenting that his four applications to enter Sarawak from Peninsula Malaysia was rejected four times by SDMC.
Following an in-depth internal investigation to solve the issue, SDMC pointed out that the individual’s applications were rejected because he failed to submit the necessary documents to support his applications.
“Instead of using the RT-PCR test as stipulated clearly in the Entry to Sarawak SOP , the person attached and submitted the same RTK-Antigen result with his four applications.
“As such SDMC has no choice but to reject all his applications.
“One of the conditions to apply to enter Sarawak is the RT-PCR test results within 72 hours of travel,” the Committee reminded in a statement issued today.
It was learnt that the individual, whom SDMC had identified his real identity, had submitted his applications on Sept 8, 9, 10 and 11, attaching the same RTK-Antigen test result against what was required by SDMC.
The committee also said that they have his full personal details and his voice recording admitting to his mistakes during the investigation.
SDMC alleged that the individual had deliberately twisted his story to purposely tarnish SDMC’S image and misled the public that his four applications were rejected wrongfully.
The committee reminded the public to comply with the conditions as mentioned in any SOP and not to blame SDMC when mistakes occurred.
While the RT-PCR negative test results will still be required to enter Sarawak, SDMC had yesterday (Sept 13) lifted the testing requirements for inter-district travel except for Bintulu Division.
“SDMC has decided that the Covid-19 swab test results using RT-PRC and rapid antigen test kit are no longer required for inter-district movement except for Bintulu Division.”
This order comes into effect today. However, SDMC stressed that a police permit is still required for inter-district travel. — DayakDaily
