KUCHING, March 16: With increasing demand from consumers due to the sudden surge of the Covid-19 cases in the country, manufacturers of sanitisers and masks must do their part to increase their production, urged president of Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
“At the same time, I urge manufacturers of sanitisers and masks to extend their production lines as much as possible to increase supply of these essential items. There have been many complaints from people who cannot purchase these items and resorted to the black market to obtain them. Manufacturers should meet this demand without resorting to price gouging.
“Merchants and sellers must refrain from price gouging to take advantage of the situation. It is no different from profiteering off the suffering of the people. Everyone should work together at this juncture to overcome the pandemic,” Tiong said in a statement today.
He also urged the relevant agencies and departments to show greater resolve to contain the pandemic’s spread.
“They must particularly install stricter vetting and disinfection measures for patients seeking treatment.
“Any persons who had attended mass gatherings should immediately present themselves for testing and protect the health of all those around them. Even if after testing negative for Covid-19, those persons should continue to self-isolate themselves for a medically-prescribed period of time as a form of civic responsibility. Associations and organisations need to postpone their activities until further notice,” he said.
Tiong who is also Bintulu MP also urged the people, especially parents to limit their travel plans with their children during the current school holidays.
He also recorded his sympathy to Sarikei MP Wong Ling Biu who had been admitted after testing positive for Covid-19.
“All of his colleagues who had been in contact with Wong should get themselves tested and self-isolate for at least 14 days. To help prevent a larger pandemic, we should adopt an equal treatment approach to ensure the health and safety of the entire population. I hope too that Wong will recover soon to continue serving the people,” he said Tiong.
He also hoped members of the public will give their cooperation during this critical period and not disseminate fake news.
“Ensure your news are from official sources to avoid inciting panic. Netizens should be socially responsible to prevent panic that could cause further anguish and worry to our fellows.
“The most effective health measures are still to maintain good hygiene habits, keep your surroundings clean, wash hands thoroughly, drink plenty of water, and reduce exposure to crowds,” he said.
Tiong asserted that since both Bintulu and Sibu having recorded new cases, he advised health agencies in the two divisions to expedite sanitisation of places where cases were found, especially in the Kampung Assyakirin housing area.— DayakDaily
