By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Apr 1: Intensive monitoring and control measures to ensure better public compliance with the Movement Control Order (MCO) are needed, especially in Kuching which has been categorised as a Covid-19 “red zone”.
As such, State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that all instructions issued on MCO for Sarawak will be maintained even though the overall situation in Sarawak is still safe and under control.
“We will carry out additional measures such as disinfecting operations, control movement and maybe enhance MCO in certain areas as done in Kuala Lumpur to stop infection transmission,” he told a daily press conference on Covid-19 today.
The National Security Council (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday (March 31) announced that Sarawak had three Covid-19 zones – red zone, orange zone and green zone.
“Kuching with 118 positive Covid-19 cases has been classified a ‘red zone’ (which was for areas with more than 40 cases),” Uggah explained.
The “orange zone” for 1-40 cases include Kota Samarahan (20), Miri (11), Betong (9), Sarikei (6), Limbang (6), Bintulu (5), Serian (4), Sibu (4) as well as Simunjan, Sri Aman, Mukah, Matu, and Lawas with one case each.
The “green zone” which has no positive cases are Bau, Lundu, Asajaya, Saratok, Pusa, Kabong, Meradong, Julau, Pakan, Kanowit, Selangau, Tatau, Sebauh, Dalat, Daro, Tanjung Manis, Marudi, Subis, Beluru, Telang Usan, Kapit, Belaga, Song, Bukit Mabong, Lubok Antu, and Tebedu.
Urging communities in the green zone to maintain that status, Uggah said it was the reason why the restriction was imposed on movement between districts.
“We appeal to people not to go back to the kampung during the current MCO to prevent the spread of the virus to villages.
“Movement between districts are only allowed for those carrying out official duty, workers in essential services, the demise of close family members, critically ill and those who require urgent health checks,” he added.
Meanwhile, police have arrested 36 people throughout Sarawak for not complying with the Movement Control Order (MCO) yesterday (March 31).
Uggah informed that Miri recorded the most arrests with 10 persons followed by Sibu (7), Kuching (6), Padawan (6), Lubok Antu (3), Song (2) and one each in Kota Samarahan and Marudi.
A total of 67 people have been charged in court yesterday (March 31), out of which 30 persons were from Kuching while Miri (11), Bintulu (6), five each in Sibu, Padawan and Bau, Limbang (3) and one each in Lawas and Lubok Antu.
On the whole, Uggah said police have reported as high as 95 per cent compliance among the people on MCO. —DayakDaily
