Negligence in Semuja Immigration Detention Centre? SDMC: We will investigate

Uggah at SDMC press conference. File pix

KUCHING, Mar 19:  The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will conduct a thorough investigation over the allegation of negligence in Covid-19 standard operation procedures (SOP) compliance when admitting new detainees at the Semuja Immigration Detention Centre in Serian near here. 

In a statement today, its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the allegation was very disturbing and a cause of grave concern.

“SDMC has just received the report.  We will leave no stones unturned in our investigation. As such negligence, if proven true, will certainly jeopardise everyone’s health,” said Uggah.

He said there is SOP laid down when admitting new detainees into the facility and he reiterated that the SOP must be strictly adhered to.

The Semuja Immigration Detention Centre today accounted for 138 Covid-19 positive cases, out of the 407 cases recorded across Sarawak.  

Yesterday, the 99 Covid-19 cases in the same facility took up one-third of Sarawak’s total positive cases of 303.

Uggah who is also Deputy Chief Minister reminded officers in charge of all detention centres and prisons to ensure existing SOP are strictly complied with in all circumstances.

“Do not take things for granted.  Make sure there is strict compliance by everyone and please treat this responsibility seriously.  Any negligence can result in devastating consequences,” he warned. — DayakDaily