SIBU, May 20: A number of parents with young children voiced support for action to be taken against those who bring children to public places without valid reasons.
Akun Giman who has two children aged three and seven welcomed the announcement as children are vulnerable to disease, including Covid-19. He opined parents and guardians should not bring them out unless it is to bring the children to receive medical attention.
“Children like the elderly are at risk of contracting Covid-19. The decison of the government is most appropriate in its effort to curb the spread of the disease,” the writer pointed out, adding that he would leave his kids at home with their mother whenever he goes out to purchase essential items.
Mother of two children, Ling Ai Ling, 30 also lauded the move.
“I agree with the statement made by the health director as parents should know their role in ensuring the safety of their children. Children being children, they are always very curious and like to touch whatever things they see. After they have touched or held any object, they would touch their face and eyes,” she observed.
“As parents we do not like them to fall sick. So it is advisable to have them stay at home instead of bringing them to public places.”
On May 17, Sibu Crime Prevention and Community Policing Department DSP Ariffin Bahar was overheard reprimanding parents for bringing their child out and not making the child wear a face mask at Sibu Central Market food court.
On May 18, Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was reported by Bernama as saying parents and guardians who insist on bringing young children to public places without valid reasons are likely face legal action.
He disclosed the Health Minister and National Security Council (NSC) would hold discussions over enforcing such a move. — DayakDaily
