KUCHING, Apr 3: There is no shortage of imported rice in Sarawak as all ports and harbours are functioning as usual during this time of Movement Control Order (MCO).
The assurance was given by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) youth Secretary General Milton Foo who visited ports and godowns to inspect the situation.
“As board member of the Kuching Port Authority (KPA), yesterday I went to inspect the operation of Sim Kheng Hong Port in Pending during Movement Control Order period.
“Harbours and ports are under the category of essential services, so all operations are not affected and duties are carrying out as usual,” said Foo in a statement today.
He pointed out that under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 which takes effect during the Extended Movement Control Order from 1 to 14 April 2020 and in pursuant to the amendments made to Regulations No. 2, port, dock and airport services and undertakings; and transportation by land, water, or air constitute essential services.
“This means that any activity and process in the supply chain of port, dock and airport services and undertakings; and transportation by land, water or air are also deemed as essential services.”
Meanwhile, he said at a godown near the Sim Kheng Hong Port, there were bags of imported white rice that had just arrived Sarawak directly from Vietnam.
The vessel which arrived on Mar 20 carried with it 74,370 bags (3,710 tonnes) of rice. Another vessel will berth this evening with six units of containers of rice.
“There won’t be any shortage of white rice in Sarawak, be rest assured,” said Foo who said he also visited Senari Terminal and Pending Terminal which are both under the purview of KPA.
To prevent any spread of Covid-19, he said all foreign crew on board of vessels are strictly not allowed to disembark.—DayakDaily
