KANOWIT, Dec 31: The longhouse community has been reminded not to organise merry-making events to welcome the New Year.
Kanowit district police chief DSP Tega Bilong said today that longhouse residents cannot hold any pre-New Year celebrations.
“The State Disaster Management Committee has announced that there should not be any New Year Eve celebrations. This SOP (standard operating procedure) does not only apply to towns and cities but also longhouses,” he said.
DSP Tega reasoned that the move was to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“I would like to remind the public once again that the directive also covers all pre-New Year celebration activities at urban areas, longhouses, and business premises which are only allowed to operate until midnight as Sarawak is still under Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan,” he said.
He added that police personnel would be conducting monitoring and patrol around the district to ensure that the public comply with the SOP.
“We hope all communities in Kanowit will cooperate. However, we will not hesitate to issue compounds which carry a fee of RM1,000 on those who violate the SOP,” he warned.
Meanwhile, he also advised the local community to be prepared for floods, landslides, and other disasters during this monsoon season.
“I hope residents, especially those living in low-lying areas, will be more careful in the face of possible floods this monsoon season. Keep important emergency numbers close, such as the Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), police, and health clinics,” he advised. ― DayakDaily
