SIBU, April 9: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has said that it is against the mandatory swab test for people entering and leaving Bintulu town as the party opines it is a big burden to the people.
Its president, Voon Lee Shan while speaking at a press conference after an oath signing ceremony for 15 of its potential state election candidates today, wanted such requirements to be done away with as Covid-1 cases were only reported in certain small areas in the town.
“Though we are concerned with the Covd-19 pandemic, we understand that the cases were only reported in certain small areas in Bintulu town. So there is no reason that restriction of movement be implemented for outsiders and people of Bintulu Division to travel out,” he said.
Voon said currently, outsiders arriving in Bintulu had to pay for the swab test on the spot. Then they would have to wait for the result before they can enter the town.
“This is very costly and it affects the livelihood of the people,” he said.
Voon added that the swab test upon arrival requirement set by the Bintulu Division Disaster Management Committee showed double-standards being practiced as other divisions in the state did not have such requirements.
PBK secretary-general Priscilla Lau said a logistic company manager had recently complained to her that he had to fork out more than RM700 for two of his workers who were driving a trailer to Bintulu recently.
On a video that had gone viral which showed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin not wearing a face mask while entering an eatery outlet in Kuching recently, Voon called on the authorities to issue a summons to the prime minister on the principle of leadership by example.
The same should also be applied to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who was seen in a video in Matu without a face mask recently, he said.
“We humbly pray that no discount be given to the PM and Awang Tengah for the fine,” he urged. — DayakDaily
