By Karen Bong and Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Jan 7: It is compulsory for Sarawakians to provide name, mobile number and time when manually checking into any premises.
Sarawakians may also choose to check-in using MySejahtera application. Failing to do so means a fine of RM1,500.
State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas also reminded operators of premises to ensure that there are employees being assigned to monitor the checking-in process and have customers’ temperature checked.
“Patrons with temperatures over 37 degree celsius are not allowed to enter the premises.
“It is compulsory to check-in using MySejahtera app or even manually by providing name, contact and time when visiting any premises or else it is a violation of the standard operating procedure (SOP) and will be fined RM1,500 if caught,” he told a press conference on Covid-19 update today.
As such, Uggah who is also Deputy Chief Minister, urged the people to check-in using the MySejahtera app which is fast and convenient.
“Check-in digitally so that you can avoid touching pens and paper which may have been exposed to viruses. Just imagine, how many had used that pen,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah emphasised that Sarawak will continue to tighten the restrictions on entry into the State to prevent the spread of infections considering that the Covid-19 cases in Malaysia has hit 3,027 today which is the highest ever recorded so far.
“There has been a rising number of cases in Sarawak with 14 cases registered today.
“Due to these cases, which are not only found in the city areas but also in rural longhouses, we call on Sarawakians to continue to be vigilant and cautious, by following all the SOP (standard operating procedures).
“Only by doing so, can we break the chain of infections. Don’t be complacent,” he urged.
He shared that he had received a picture of celebration in a longhouse recently where no one seemed to be adhering to the SOP laid down by the SDMC.
“No one was wearing masks, no social distancing. So here we want to call on all the longhouse chiefs, and all the community leaders, please take note that when any social activity is to be held, don’t forget that Covid-19 virus is still in Malaysia and Sarawak,” he reminded.
As the authorities have not determined the source of transmission for the two Covid-19 cases detected at Sg Putong Longhouse and Bui Panjai Longhouse in Simanggang, he reiterated call for people to not let their guard down but strictly comply with all health and safety restrictions.
“For Sarawak, we have tried our best to safeguard our borders but today, we have cases involving local transmission.
“As such, all arrivals from overseas, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan will have to serve mandatory quarantine in designated facilities before being allowed to go home upon negative test results.
“This is to ensure that all returnees will be free from infections before they unite with their families at home,” he said.
The strategies imposed by Sarawak all this while, Uggah pointed out, have proven to be effective and successful in controlling the spread of Covid-19.
“We thus appeal to all Sarawakians to continue to observe high standards of hygiene, physical distancing and wearing masks at all times when in crowded areas,” he urged again. — DayakDaily
